Merab Dvalishvili has added Cory Sandhagen to an already insane resume! 😮‍💨 🏆#UFC320 | LIVE on TNT Sports & discovery+ pic.twitter.com/oMNMyPjnRt

— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) October 5, 2025

The 34-year-old champion currently holds the longest winning streak in bantamweight history at 13 fights, a run that began in September 2018. This streak ties him with legendary champions like GSP, Jon Jones, and Khabib Nurmagomedov for extended periods of dominance. His 12 wins in the bantamweight division are among the most in UFC history for the weight class.

Looking Forward: Cementing Legacy Status
With his third title defense of 2025 complete, Dvalishvili has expressed interest in pursuing an unprecedented fourth title defense before the year's end. His coach John Wood confirmed the champion's serious intentions about maintaining this aggressive fighting schedule, stating there is “no doubt” Dvalishvili wants to fight again in December.

Such activity from a champion is virtually unheard of in the modern UFC era, where title holders typically defend their belts 2-3 times per year at most. Dvalishvili's willingness to stay active while facing elite competition continuously demonstrates a level of confidence and conditioning that separates him from his peers.

Beyond the title defense achievements, Dvalishvili's statistical dominance tells the story of a fighter who has revolutionized the bantamweight division. His 6.55 takedowns landed per 15 minutes represents one of the highest rates in UFC history. His 78% takedown defense rate shows he's equally difficult to take down, while his striking statistics reveal a well-rounded fighter who can threaten opponents in all areas.

The Georgian champion's 2,233 total strikes landed in the bantamweight division represents another divisional record. Combined with his takedown numbers, these statistics paint the picture of a fighter who overwhelms opponents through sheer volume and relentless pressure.

Dvalishvili's achievement of three title defenses in one calendar year places him in rarified air among UFC champions. Only seven fighters before him had accomplished this feat across all weight classes. His ability to maintain peak performance while fighting at such a high frequency against elite competition speaks to his exceptional conditioning, mental toughness, and technical skill.

The victory over Sandhagen not only secured Dvalishvili's place in UFC history but also strengthened arguments for his status as the greatest bantamweight fighter of all time. With his combination of championship achievements, statistical records, and wins over elite competition, “The Machine” has built a resume that will be difficult for future bantamweight champions to match. His willingness to stay active and face all challengers while breaking long-standing records has transformed the bantamweight division and established a new standard for championship excellence.