The country of Georgia is a mountain range away from the Russian province of Dagestan. There are many similarities between the two Caucuses regions, including cultural practices, traditions, and most prominently, the Papakha. The thing that was not similar between the two regions, however, was their representation in the sport of MMA. Dagestan is the home of some of the best wrestlers in the world. On the other hand, Georgia is not known for its martial arts tradition and rather is a weightlifting powerhouse.

However, the recent, path-breaking successes of Merab Dvalishvili and Ilia Topuria have changed that. At the moment, two UFC champions hail from Georgia. Even if Ilia Topuria received Spanish citizenship after he won the title, he too hails originally from Georgia. The government of Georgia has decided to handsomely reward its two world-champion martial artists. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has announced a 1 million Georgian Lari (about $367,000) cash prize for Dvalishvili and Topuria.

“Georgian athletes have achieved unprecedented success in various sports, with the latest example being Dvalishvili winning the title of UFC champion. Currently, two out of the eight active UFC champions are Georgians… Topuria and Dvalishvili have exemplified the fighting character of the Georgian people who have been tempered for 3,000 years, reminding us that wherever we fight with dignity, no one can defeat us Georgians,” PM Kobakhidze said.

Dvalishvili, of course, defeated Sean O’Malley on UFC 306 earlier this month to become the UFC bantamweight champion and is getting ready for his first title defense. On the other hand, Topuria shocked the world in February this year by stopping the legendary then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski from becoming the UFC’s first Georgian champion.

Merab Dvalishvili nominated for ‘highest state honor’

Merab Dvalishvili is not just fighting for victories—he’s fighting for his country, his people, and a vision that extends beyond the octagon. Picture this: a fighter who turns blood and sweat into hope, who sees a cash prize not as a personal reward but as a beacon for others. “I will use it for charity,” Dvalishvili has vowed, his sights set on opening small gyms across Georgia. For Merab, the fight doesn’t end with the final bell—it’s just the beginning of a greater mission, one that lifts an entire community.

The recognition has come swiftly for this relentless warrior. Merab Dvalishvili has been nominated for the highest state honor by none other than the Georgian Prime Minister, alongside the Speaker of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili. Though the exact accolade remains shrouded in mystery, the Presidential Order of Excellence seems to be the likely honor awaiting Merab—a tribute reserved for those Georgians who have ascended to greatness in culture, education, art, and, yes, sport.

Meanwhile, the story of another Georgian-born fighter is strikingly different. Ilia Topuria, known to many as “El Matador,” hasn’t seen the same kind of fanfare from his homeland. Could it be because Topuria, though born in Georgia, now calls Spain his official home? Having adopted Spanish citizenship, the featherweight champion may no longer carry the Georgian flag, but his journey speaks to the complexity of identity in the fight game.

As Merab stands on the cusp of national honor, one must wonder: how do the choices of allegiance shape the recognition of our warriors? What are your thoughts on Dvalishvili being celebrated as Georgia’s champion, while Topuria finds his identity claimed by Spain?