Merab Dvalishvili has received the backing of an athlete who knows what it’s like to compete at the highest level.
Dvalishvili has the potential to reach an untouched record when he returns for his third bantamweight title fight of 2026.
‘The Machine’ has been on an absolute tear ever since his winning streak saw him finally become a champion at UFC 306.
His next challenger poses some very dangerous threats, with Dvalishvili’s coaches recognizing how difficult Cory Sandhagen is as an opponent.
That hasn’t stopped a lot of people, including an ex-Premier League star, from backing the champion to emerge victorious at UFC 320.
- LATEST NEWS: Henry Cejudo shares surprise pick for Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen after bantamweight GOAT claims
Merab Dvalishvili reacts to Sergio Aguero picking him and Alex Pereira to win with $36k earnings
After some concerning moments at the weigh-ins, Merab Dvalishvili’s title defense was made official for Saturday night in Las Vegas.
The Georgian has proven himself to be an incredibly difficult person to bet against, having won 13 fights since losing his first two UFC bouts.
Dvalishvili previously smashed Drake’s huge bet after the rapper picked Jose Aldo to beat him back in August of 2022.
A record-holding ex-soccer star didn’t make the same mistake when revealing his picks for UFC 320.
With 184 goals, Sergio Aguero is Manchester City’s all-time leading goalscorer and holds the record for the most hat-tricks in Premier League history with 12.
The 37-year-old, who retired early in 2021 due to heart problems, posted on Instagram that he looked to earn a stunning $36,269.86 by picking Dvalishvili and Alex Pereira to win on October 4.
Dvalishvili responded to the post by simply sending an emoji of a flexing robot arm.
- LATEST NEWS: Alex Pereira reveals staggering weight gain after completing near 30-pound cut two weeks out from UFC 320
Cory Sandhagen sent a threat to Merab Dvalishvili when they came face-to-face on fight week
Cory Sandhagen’s intelligent grappling skills aren’t the only danger that he presents to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 320.
The challenger is a dangerous striker, with his knees being a factor that many have singled out ahead of the bantamweight title fight in Las Vegas.
‘The Sandman’ reminded his opponent of this when saying, “I’m gonna put my knee through your face, Merab,” during their press conference face off.
While Dvalishvili has never been stopped by strikes, he has been submitted inside the Octagon before, in his second UFC fight with Ricky Simon.