Merab Dvalishvili Defends UFC Bantamweight Title Against Cory Sandhagen in Las Vegas

Merab Dvalishvili is set to defend his UFC bantamweight title against Cory Sandhagen in the co-main event of UFC 320 on October 4, 2025, in Las Vegas. Dvalishvili is on a 13-fight winning streak and is close to breaking the UFC record for career takedowns, needing just three more to reach 100, a milestone that reflects his dominant wrestling style. Despite Dvalishvili's focus on incorporating striking for this fight, Sandhagen remains confident in his ability to neutralize the champion's takedowns and push the fight to a striking battle. Fellow bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has praised Dvalishvili as the greatest bantamweight of all time, regardless of the outcome at UFC 320, noting his victories over multiple former champions. Dvalishvili aims to secure his third title defense in a calendar year, a feat achieved by only a few in UFC history, and views a win as a strong case for Fighter of the Year honors. The matchup presents a compelling clash between Dvalishvili's relentless pressure and wrestling and Sandhagen's dynamic striking and movement, with the title potentially changing hands depending on who controls the fight's pace and style.