Merab Dvalishvili is widely recognized today as one of the most dominant forces in the bantamweight division.
His relentless pace, unmatched cardio, and suffocating wrestling have made him a nightmare for anyone standing inside the Octagon.
But even champions have beginnings marked by setbacks and for Dvalishvili, his last loss came years ago, long before he became a titleholder.
This article explores when Merab Dvalishvili last lost a fight, how he rebuilt his career afterward, and how that defeat shaped the champion he is today.
Merab Dvalishvili’s Last Loss: April 21, 2018
The last time Merab tasted defeat was on April 21, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 128, when he faced Ricky Simón. It remains one of the most debated endings in modern UFC history.
What Happened in the Fight?
The bout was competitive, with Dvalishvili pushing his trademark pressure style. For nearly all three rounds, he controlled most of the action with takedowns and volume, while Simón worked to create openings.
But in the final minute, Simón locked in a tight guillotine choke.
The round ended with Merab still seemingly conscious, kicking his legs, and trying to fight the submission.
But moments later, officials decided that he had briefly gone unconscious before the horn. The result was ruled a technical submission loss, handing Simón the victory.
To this day, many fans and analysts argue the call, but what mattered most was how Dvalishvili responded. That fight became the last loss of his career, and from that moment onward, everything changed.
Early UFC Struggles: Two Losses That Sparked a Transformation
Before becoming the unstoppable contender we know, Dvalishvili had a rocky start in the UFC.
1. UFC Debut Against Frankie Saenz (December 2017)
His debut ended in a split-decision loss that many felt should have gone his way. The fight was close, and although Dvalishvili out-worked Saenz in multiple moments, the judges awarded the decision to Saenz.
2. The Ricky Simón Defeat (April 2018)
Instead of breaking him, the controversial loss became a turning point. Rather than slowing down his momentum, the defeat lit a fire inside him.
Soon after, he began piecing together one of the longest win streaks in UFC bantamweight history.
The Turning Point: Rebuilding After the Final Loss
After his last loss in 2018, Dvalishvili came back stronger than ever. His development was clear — improved wrestling chains, refined striking entries, and conditioning that few fighters could match.
His First Win After the Loss
In September 2018, he picked up a confident decision win over Terrion Ware, setting the foundation for his future success.
This victory was the beginning of a historic run, proving that Merab was no longer the fighter who struggled in 2017 and 2018. He transformed into a machine built for 15 and 25 minutes of non-stop pressure.
Rise to Contention: Eleven Consecutive Wins
From 2018 onward, Merab went on a dominant run, defeating opponent after opponent with an unbreakable pace.
Some of His Notable Wins During the Streak:
- Casey Kenney
- Gustavo Lopez
- Cody Stamann
- Marlon Moraes
- José Aldo
- Petr Yan
Each win added to the narrative of a fighter who had evolved far beyond the man who lost to Simón.
His victory over former champion Petr Yan was perhaps the breakout moment, where he completely shut down one of the most dangerous strikers in the division.
Becoming Champion: The Start of a New Era
In September 2024, Merab Dvalishvili captured the UFC Bantamweight Championship by defeating Sean O’Malley. It was a monumental moment the result of years of consistent work and unstoppable momentum.
As champion, Merab continued to prove that his style works at the highest level.
Key Title Wins Include:
- A dominant win over Umar Nurmagomedov
- A submission win over Sean O’Malley in their rematch
- A clinical performance against Cory Sandhagen
With each defense, his legacy grew, and his confidence increased. The last loss in 2018 became a distant memory.
How the 2018 Loss Shaped Merab Dvalishvili’s Career
Even though it happened long ago, the Ricky Simón loss played a major role in forming the champion we see today.
1. Improved Submission Defense
After losing by a controversial submission call, Merab spent years improving his grappling awareness, choke escapes, and defensive transitions.
2. Smarter Pressure Game
He refined his entries, choosing safer takedown angles and mixing striking better with wrestling.
3. Mental Growth
The loss forced him to develop championship-level composure. Today, you rarely see Merab flustered or emotionally affected inside the cage.
4. Purpose-Driven Training
Many fighters talk about “learning from losses.” Merab lived it. The shift in intensity and professionalism after 2018 was obvious.
Why His Last Loss Still Matters Today
Some defeats become historical markers. For Merab, that April 2018 fight is more than a memory — it was a turning point.
It Shows His Resilience
A fighter who begins his UFC career 0-2 rarely becomes a champion. But Merab broke the pattern.
It Highlights His Evolution
Today’s Merab is built differently:
- Faster
- More conditioned
- Technically sharper
- Strategically disciplined
It Strengthens His Legacy
Fans love comeback stories. Merab rising from early setbacks to become one of the division’s greatest champions is a narrative that stands out.
Looking Ahead: Merab Dvalishvili’s Current Path
As he enters the later part of 2025, Merab is preparing for major challenges, including a rematch with Petr Yan.
If he wins again, he will further cement his status as one of the most successful bantamweight champions in UFC history.
A victory would give him yet another defense, placing him among names like:
- Dominick Cruz
- T.J. Dillashaw
- Petr Yan
- Aljamain Sterling
But unlike all of them, Merab would be doing it after starting 0-2 in the UFC — a rarity for anyone who climbed this high.
A Nearly Eight-Year Winning Streak
Since April 2018, Merab has not lost a single fight. That is nearly eight years of complete dominance, something extremely uncommon in the UFC.
His win streak is built on:
- Endless pressure
- Superior chain wrestling
- Fight IQ
- Strong cardio
- Smart game planning
Few fighters have managed to keep up with his pace, and even fewer have come close to stopping his takedowns.
Why Merab Dvalishvili Is So Hard to Beat
Understanding why Merab has stayed undefeated for so long helps explain why that last loss is so far behind him.
1. Relentless Pace
No bantamweight maintains Merab’s output. His style forces opponents to fight defensively from the start.
2. Elite Wrestling Chains
He doesn’t rely on one takedown attempt — he chains five, six, or more together until he gets the position he wants.
3. Cardio Advantage
Most fighters fade under pressure. Merab grows stronger as the fight goes on.
4. Strong Defensive Awareness
His improved grappling defense ensures he doesn’t repeat the mistakes that led to his last loss.
5. Mental Toughness
He fights with full confidence and discipline, shaped by the setbacks of his early UFC run.
The Legacy of That Last Loss
Merab’s 2018 loss to Ricky Simón has become a symbolic chapter in his career.
It represents:
- The last time he was defeated
- The moment that pushed him to grow
- The beginning of one of MMA’s greatest win streaks
Years later, it stands as a reminder of how far he has come.
Conclusion: The Loss That Built a Champion
Merab Dvalishvili’s last defeat came in 2018, but its impact can still be felt today. Since that moment, he has turned into one of the most dominant champions in the history of the bantamweight division.
His story teaches a simple lesson:
Losses don’t define you — your response does.
From a fighter who started 0-2 in the UFC to a champion with a long win streak, Merab’s journey proves that setbacks can fuel greatness.
As he continues defending his belt and building his legacy, that final loss remains a distant chapter — not a defining one, but a launching point for everything he has accomplished since.
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