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Merab Dvalishvili mauls Cory Sandhagen, sets takedown record to retain bantamweight title

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Oct 5, 2025 9:52 AM ET

LAS VEGAS —Bantamweight champion Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili didn’t get the knockout, but he didn’t need it. The relentless Georgian retained his title with a unanimous decision over Cory Sandhagen, 49–45, 49–45, 49–46, in UFC 320’s co-main event at T-Mobile Arena.

Dvalishvili authored a wrestling clinic, piling up 20 takedowns the most ever in a UFC title fight. He also became the first fighter in UFC history to surpass 100 career takedowns, needing three to hit the century mark and then ripping off 17 more for good measure.

Merab Dvalishvili’s last seven wins:

Cory Sandhagen
Sean O’Malley
Umar Nurmagomedov
Sean O’Malley
Henry Cejudo
Petr Yan
Jose Aldo

One of the most elite resumes in UFC history #UFC320 pic.twitter.com/xdLN2kYrVM

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 5, 2025

How it happened

Round 1: Sandhagen set the early tone on the feet, landing sharp hooks and mixing in kicks. Dvalishvili got a takedown but couldn’t secure long control, and Sandhagen largely kept things upright.

Round 2: Momentum flipped. Dvalishvili secured an early trip, then stunned Sandhagen with a punching flurry that dropped him. Each time Sandhagen stood, Dvalishvili dragged him back down, banking a dominant frame.

Round 3: Sandhagen looked recovered and targeted the body. Dvalishvili matched him with a left hook and chained takedown attempts—brief mat returns and fence stacks that kept Sandhagen reset and reactive.

Round 4: After trading leg kicks, Dvalishvili stepped in with an overhand right and forced more mat sequences. He threatened a late D’Arce choke as the horn sounded.

Round 5: The champion pressed forward with combinations, repeatedly finishing doubles and singles as Sandhagen tried to rally with body shots and a spinning back kick. Dvalishvili’s 18th, 19th and 20th takedowns iced it on the cards.

What it means

Already the division’s pace-setter, Dvalishvili reinforced his reputation as a five-round metronome with fight-ending tempo. Afterward, he asked for a quick December turnaround to log a fourth defense in 2025, and name-checked former champion Petr Yan as a potential opponent.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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