There are very few fighters in the UFC who have had a rise like Merab Dvalishvili. The 34-year-old Georgian star proved to the world that anything is possible if you put in the work when he won the bantamweight title at UFC 306. However, it’s not only ‘The Machine’s fighting skills that have caught the attention of the fans because his tattoo has garnered its fair share of attention as well.

Dvalishvili has a tattoo on his chest that depicts the Georgian flag, and the bantamweight champion is proud to represent the country. But not many know the story behind the tattoo. So, let us find out what exactly happened.

Merab Dvalishvili’s Georgia tattoo on his chest

For any fighter, representing their country is one of the biggest motivations, and Merab Dvalishvili is no different. The UFC initially allowed its fighters to display their country’s representation during most fights. However, the UFC changed its rules in April 2022 and banned the use of flags in any of their events. The UFC implemented the rule amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war but later revoked it, but Dvalishvili did face its consequences. This hampered the spirit of the Georgian fighter, but he found a special way to deal with the setback. What did he do? He got himself a ‘Georgia’ tattoo on his chest before his fight with Petr Yan in 2023.

Xcellent MMA took to their Instagram account to share a video four days back where ‘The Machine’ described the whole process. While speaking to the host, he said, “I was wearing a Georgian necklace. I got an email from UFC. They said I am not allowed to have this on anymore.” Dvalishvili further continued and asserted that carrying his country’s flag was one of his biggest motivations, but the ban hampered it. Hence, he came up with an ingenious idea and got himself a tattoo.

He further added, “I started fighting because I want to represent my country. That’s my number one motivation. And I got a tattoo bro. A nice tattoo.” Dvalishvili is not the first person to use tattoos to circumvent UFC rules. UFC legend Jose Aldo once used a temporary tattoo back in 2020 at UFC Fight Night 183 to give a shout-out to the Brazilian Navy.

Since his fight in 2023, Merab Dvalishvili has come a long way in his career. He has beaten some of the biggest names in the division and will now be putting his belt up for grabs at UFC 311 against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. But before we get to the fight, let’s take a look at what Dvalishvili said about the significance of his Georgia tattoo.

Merab talks about the importance of his tattoo

Although Merab Dvalishvili feels blessed and privileged to have been able to carve out a successful career in the United States, his heart still belongs to Georgia. Moreover, he cleared the air surrounding the tattoo of his native country’s flag tattoo. He had an interview and was asked if he’d listen to the UFC if they ever wanted him to get the tattoo removed. As you’d expect, he wasn’t going to do that.

“No, I am not doing that. They have to accept,” Merab Dvalislishvili stated back in 2023. “I mean, it’s my tattoo. How are they gonna [ask him to remove it]? It’s like nothing but it’s my country, bro. It’s my country map and my country flag. I’m proud, I love it and I actually don’t have tattoo before, I never wanted before, but like… now I have my country close to my heart.” 

Well, Merab Dvalishvili’s countrymen are sure to support him this weekend when he locks horns against Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s cousin. Let us know your thoughts on how you see the fight ending in the comments down below.