Merab Dvalishvili’s latest win at UFC 311 drew some glowing praise from a former opponent and future UFC Hall of Famer.

UFC 311 took place this past Saturday at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., and it produced a few updates across multiple divisions. In the main event, Islam Makhachev made quick work of short-notice opponent Renato Moicano,

Muin Gafurov has back-to-back wins after consecutive losses to open his UFC career – and hopes to follow a famous champ’s path.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 18: Merab Dvalishvili of Georgia punches Umar Nurmagomedov of Russia in a bantamweight title fight during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome on January 18, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Merab Dvalishvili was dealing with quite a bit of adversity leading into UFC 311. Bantamweight champion Dvalishvili (19-4 MMA, 12-2 UFC) rallied to defeat Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) by unanimous decision this past Saturday at Intuit Dome in Inglewood,

The training injury Merab Dvalishvili suffered ahead of UFC 311 was so severe that the Georgian felt compelled to hide it from a CSAC medical examiner.

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili earned the first defense of his belt with a grueling decision over Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311.

Coach John Wood paid tribute to Merab Dvalishvili after his man bounced back from a difficult fight camp to retain his bantamweight title at UFC 311.

Nurmagomedov (18-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) got off to a good start against bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili (19-4 MMA, 12-2 UFC) in Saturday’s co-main event at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., but was ultimately outlasted in a unanimous decision loss.

Merab Dvalishvili has impressed many with his performance at UFC 311 and Henry Cejudo is now calling him the bantamweight GOAT.

Henry Cejudo often touts himself as the greatest combat sports athlete, but he’s willing to concede one title to Merab Dvalishvili.