The Theater at Virgin Hotels on March 11 became the venue for the incredible record-setting display by UFC star Merab Dvalishvili. On Saturday night, he went toe-to-toe against the higher-ranked Petr Yan and registered a record 49 takedown attempts. The Georgian fighter entered the main event of UFC Fight Night 221 as an underdog but brightly executed his game plan. ‘The Machine’ relentlessly chased his opponent and never let the Russian fight catch a breather. Not only he did unsettle ‘No Mercy’ with his infinitive cardio, but also caught him off guard with well-crafted combos. As a result, he picked up an impressive win against the former bantamweight champion.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Notably, the 32-year-old came into the fight with an 8-win streak momentum. His recent win against former UFC champion Jose Aldo boosted his resume and established him as the next title contender. Further, with another win against the former champion, the bantamweight fighter strengthened his title credentials.
Merab Dvalishvili dominates Petr Yan in a record-setting performance
The 16-4 record holder in the fight came out, with all guns blazing, and exhibited his top-notch grappling skills. The fighter dominated his opponent on the ground and also outstroke him.
Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 15: (L-R) Merab Dvalishvili of Georgia punches John Dodson in their bantamweight bout during the UFC 252 event at UFC APEX on August 15, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Markedly, the Serra-Longo Fight Team representative swept off the judges’ scorecard, each noting 50-45, as he caught the 30-year-old lacking on multiple occasions. The Judo black belt holder’s attempt to take the fight to the ground and find a hole in Yan‘s defense with neatly hidden combos remained a recurring theme throughout the fight.
While the fight went the distance, the former world sambo medalist thumped and outscored the Dudinka native in every round. He landed 176 significant strikes compared to 83 that his opponent could register. Besides, he attempted 426 strikes as he pushed his skills to the brink.
Merab also attempted 49 takedowns and successfully completed 11 of those. He broke the record that was previously held by Cain Velasquez with 33 attempts.
View this post on Instagram
Following them, Per Eklund is third on the list with 30 attempts. The fourth is occupied by Matt Serra and tied 5th is Khabib Nurmagomedov and Diego Sanchez, with 28 and 27 attempts, respectively.
As a result, he also registered a control time of almost 7 minutes. The former Ring of Combat champion received accolades for his boundless cardio that gave him the upper hand in the fight.
How did the fans react to the record?
Only sport where having a 5% success rate will earn you a win
— Token Blood (@token_blood) March 12, 2023
It’s a shame they don’t count takedown defenses towards the scoring
— TrentOTK3000 (@the5starwrestl2) March 12, 2023
Merab broke MMA. Even if u defend every takedown he wins the round because it’s impossible to have any offense.
— Rae Piste (@RaePiste14) March 12, 2023
Nothing impressive there Brett 😂 quit gassing up this fighting style grab and hold for dear life ever opportunity. He won't be champ fighting like that. Cejudo eats merab for breakfast
— Jerm (@bigsteppper361) March 12, 2023
Merab living up to his nickname
— عمر (@SourPatchKidx_) March 12, 2023
What do you think of this splendid fight at UFC Fight Night 221? Do you believe Merab Dvalishvili will challenge for the belt soon? Let us know in the comments below.
Watch This Story: Tom Brady Went to The Same High School As This Controversial MLB Hall of Famer Who Was Also A 14x All-Star
