Donning the Georgian flag with pride, 135lbs champion Merab Dvalishvili is far from just another fighter on Dana White’s roster. His journey from an underdog to the pinnacle of the sport is nothing short of cinematic. Since joining the UFC in 2017, Merab has steadily carved out his place among the elite, but his path to success was anything but easy. For seven long years, he toiled as a construction worker, balancing grueling labor with his dream of becoming a professional fighter.

With little support or sponsorship to fuel his athletic ambitions, he faced countless hardships. Today, as a UFC world champion, Merab has overcome the struggles of his early career. Not only is he finally receiving the recognition he deserves, but his hard work is also paying off financially. The question arises: how does Merab’s current net worth as a champion compare to his earnings during those challenging early years? Let’s dive in and explore.

Merab Dvalishvili: Net worth and career earnings

Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? The net worth of Merab Dvalishvili is, according to Total Sportal, a solid $1.8 million! While it may not rival the astronomical fortunes of Conor McGregor or Jon Jones, it’s a testament to how far Merab has come from his humble beginnings before joining the UFC. The 33-year-old has been competing professionally since 2014, with the bulk of his income stemming from his fights. But like many savvy athletes, Merab has diversified his earnings through sponsorships and endorsements.

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He’s partnered with notable brands like Star Pro Combat, Nabeglavi, Syndicate MMA, Panini America, AMC Hyundai-Las Vegas, and more, leveraging his growing popularity through his social media platforms. While details about his current home remain scarce, he has shared glimpses of his roots, including a heartfelt look at his childhood home in Tbilisi, Georgia, during a video with his father.

This remarkable journey didn’t come without sacrifice. Merab has openly reflected on the struggles of his childhood and the challenges of making ends meet in his early days. He frequently expresses gratitude to his parents, especially his hardworking mother, crediting her as a key figure in his success story.

A life of grit and perseverance: Poverty to UFC champion

A native of the Republic of Georgia, born on January 10, 1991, Merab Dvalishvili’s journey to the top is a testament to perseverance. At the age of 21, he emigrated to the United States, settling in New York to pursue his dream of becoming a professional fighter. However, his early days were far from glamorous. To make ends meet, Merab worked as a construction laborer while training tirelessly to improve his craft.

“Every day I was asking myself questions, especially when I was at work and working in the sun or the snow,” Dvalishvili declared. “But when I was going home and I was still going to practice, I was still working hard,” he narrated to Montana Sports. Adjusting to life in a new country, with its unfamiliar culture and language, added to the challenges for the young fighter. Despite joining the UFC in 2017, his initial run in the promotion wasn’t smooth, suffering losses in his first two fights. At one point, he even questioned whether he should continue. But he would not be a champion today if he had given up.

Two years ago, ‘The Machine’ uploaded a video with his father. The video begins with the two playfully sparring in front of his home in Sulori, Georgia. Surrounded by natural cucumber plants and rose bushes, the home reflects the labor and love of his hardworking family. The video also provided a glimpse into Merab’s family life.

The small farm and house were built by him and his family members, creating a wholesome and grounded environment. Inside, he showcased a 100-year-old wardrobe still in use and proudly displayed his brother’s army uniforms, marveling at his brother’s role as a military pilot. Everyone in his family embodies dedication and hard work, especially since, in free Georgia, they had to rebuild their lives from scratch.

From schoolyard scuffles to standing as a protector of his family, Merab Dvalishvili knows the meaning of struggle. His love for martial arts was evident early on, fueled by a dream of becoming an Olympic champion. At just 13 years old, he set his sights on greatness, and now, two decades later, at 33, he holds a championship in the most competitive sport in the world.

But being a champion is only the beginning. Merab now faces a monumental challenge: defending his belt against the dangerous Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311. With his past struggles shaping his resilience and an impressive fighting arsenal honed over years of dedication, the question looms: will it be enough to retain his title and solidify his legacy?