What will it take to slow down Merab Dvalishvili? The reigning bantamweight champion has looked virtually unstoppable since his unbeaten run began in 2018. During this incredible run of wins, he’s steamrolled former champions like Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, and Henry Cejudo. His relentless style, aptly described by his nickname, ‘The Machine’, has left almost all his opponents gasping for air.

But every storm has its calm, doesn’t it? Could Merab Dvalishvili’s kryptonite be just a punch, a plan, or a prodigy away? We put the same puzzle in front of AI which painted an intriguing picture. So, is there a game plan that can stop ‘The Machine’ in its tracks? Let’s dive into the details!

AI gives a strategy to defeat Merab Dvalishvili

Breaking down Merab Dvalishvili’s armor requires more than brute strength; it demands a combination of precision, endurance, and smarts. According to the AI-generated insights, there are five potential paths to victory against the Georgian.

1. Elite Striking and KO Power: Exploit Merab’s pressure-heavy style by using precise, powerful striking to capitalize on openings during his relentless takedown attempts.

Perhaps the best example of this strategy paying off, at least for a while, was Dvalishvili’s fight against Marlon Moraes at UFC 266 in 2021. Moraes knocked ‘The Machine’ down twice and nearly closed out the show in the first round. But as mentioned above, Dvalishvili’s cardio allowed him to recover and slowly drown Moraes until he turned the tables and finished him in the second round. However, it does prove that Dvalishvili’s defense has gaps to aim for.

 2. Exceptional Takedown Defense: Neutralize his wrestling by stuffing takedowns with high-level defense and punishing him with counters.

Once again, Jose Aldo proved that having exceptional takedown defense is a key skill to have when going up against Merab Dvalishvili. Aldo stuffed all 16 of Dvalishvili’s takedown attempts in their UFC 278 fight but ultimately lost a decision due to ‘The Machine’s relentless pace.

3. Cardio to Match: Merab’s relentless pace is his trademark, so a fighter with equal or better cardio can nullify his constant pressure.

This is where things get tricky. Merab Dvalishvili’s pace is legendary even when talking about fighters known for their gas tanks like the Diaz brothers and Max Holloway. Could there be a bantamweight contender who can keep up for all 5-rounds? What do you think?

4. Effective Distance Control: Fighters with excellent footwork and range control can keep Merab from closing the distance and force him into uncomfortable striking exchanges.

Sean O’Malley, the man who lost his title to the Georgian at UFC 306 defines this archetype of fighter. But even he was unable to stop the relentless, smothering pressure that Dvalishvili unleashed inside the Octagon. However, the same blueprint can be used by someone like Cory Sandhagen, if he gets a shot at the title.

5. Submission Threats: Merab leaves openings during grappling exchanges due to his aggression; a fighter with slick jiu-jitsu could exploit this and secure a submission.

If you can’t stop Merab Dvalishvili from taking you down, how about attacking from there instead? So far, ‘The Machine’ has been dominant in his wrestling prowess. But what if someone like Deiveson Figueiredo, a BJJ black belt and proficient in submissions were to utilize the above plan? Sounds like a recipe for fireworks!  

The AI has outlined a roadmap, but theory and practice are worlds apart when the Octagon doors close. From pinpoint striking to impenetrable takedown defense and submission threats, the keys to beating Dvalishvili seem clear. Yet, his relentless cardio, suffocating pace, and sheer willpower make him a puzzle that no one has fully solved. But who, among the UFC’s elite, has the tools to make this strategy a reality?

Who can defeat Merab? AI answers

According to AI, there are 2 names that have the potential to end Merab Dvalishvili’s reign atop the bantamweight divisions. The first is Aljamain Sterling. As per the predictions, “Sterling’s elite grappling and positional awareness could neutralize Merab’s wrestling. Aljo’s striking improvements and familiarity with Merab’s style make him a strong contender if they were ever to fight.”

But as teammates and close friends, their loyalty has kept them from clashing in the Octagon. According to their coach Ray Longo, “To me, this is going to go down as one of the greatest human interest stories in MMA. How these two guys formed a brotherhood and they didn’t succumb to all the bullsh*t. They didn’t sell out for $100,000.”

However, in a hypothetical matchup, Sterling’s grappling pedigree and improved striking skills have the potential to give ‘The Machine’ fits. His positional awareness could also neutralize the champion’s wrestling-heavy game and allow him more avenues of attack with submissions. ‘The Funkmaster’ is currently competing in the featherweight division, but if fate ever forces their paths to cross, Sterling might be the one to crack the code.

The second name on the AI’s list is Sean O’Malley. As per the prediction, “(in a rematch): If Sean makes the right adjustments, his range control, power, and precision could give him the tools to catch Merab on the feet before he establishes his grappling dominance.”

Sean O’Malley has already tasted defeat at the hands of Merab, losing his title in their UFC 306 showdown. But every fight plays out differently. With his surgical striking and mastery of range, O’Malley could present new challenges for the champ.

In fact, both O’Malley and his coach Tim Welch were watching Dvalishvili hand Umar Nurmagomedov his first professional loss at UFC 311. As such, speaking on his YouTube channel, Welch proclaimed, “But I do believe that we can be the kryptonite to Merab with the right game plan and a good fight camp. With ‘Suge’ healthy, I think we take him out.”

To wrap things up, Merab Dvalishvili’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. His unrelenting pace and indomitable spirit have made him one of the most feared fighters in MMA. But no champion reigns forever. History shows us that even the mightiest can fall—if the right challenger emerges.

Could it be a crafty grappler like Sterling? Or perhaps a sharp-shooting striker like O’Malley? Maybe the answer lies in an unknown contender waiting in the wings. What do you think is the key to halting ‘The Machine’s run through the UFC? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!