Exclusive: Merab Dvalishvili Could End the Bantamweight GOAT Debate with UFC 320 Victory, says John Wood

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has had a meteoric rise up the pound-for-pound rankings, and could be close to cementing his legacy as the bantamweight GOAT.

According to his head coach John Wood, Dvalishvili is on the verge of ending the debate.

In an exclusive conversation, produced in collaboration with The Game Plan, Wood shared his take on Dvalishvili’s impressive resume at bantamweight, his upcoming title defense against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320, and his first impressions of the Georgian. 

Wood also shed light on Dvalishvili’s training camp, highlighting one key area in which he stands head and shoulders above the rest. 

“[Dvalishvili] has the best resume against the toughest fighters,” Wood told SportsBoom.com. 

“If all of [his] fights were all title defenses, we’re not even having the questions, like it’s even a debate.” 

Dvalishvili has proven himself time and time again with victories over some of the biggest names in the division, including Jose Aldo, Umar Nurmagomedov, Henry Cejudo, and Sean O’Malley. He intends to add Sandhagen to the list at UFC 320. 

“I think he just needs to defend that belt a few more times and then we’re not even talking about bantamweight GOAT, we’re now talking about should he be up there on the Mount Rushmore of MMA fighters? And that’s going to take some time,” Wood added. 

“I think the bantamweight GOAT is very attainable if it’s not already happened."

DVALISHVILI'S UNMATCHED CARDIO

One of Dvalishvili’s strongest attributes is his unmatched cardio, a factor that allows him to maintain an overwhelming pace for five full rounds. 

Wood gave an inside look at what makes the bantamweight champion’s training so unique, highlighting the relentless effort he puts into every session. 

“Everybody leaves the gym just going, ‘Like, how?’ Because of the work output. He’s still getting better as a fighter,” Wood said. 

“This game evolves, so the things he’s doing now with the new weapons and the things he’s added on, it just makes it seem 10 times worse.”

Dvalishvili’s conditioning and wrestling have made him a difficult fighter to prepare for, as he’s able to tire his opponents out and then impose his will once they’re exhausted.  Wood explained that The Machine’s training sessions are so intense, they often require multiple sparring partners.

“We’re having to have at least three or four partners because guys are gassing out, guys are getting smashed and submitted,” he added.

“It blows my mind every day and especially at the level of competition that he’s competing with in the gym.”

“It’s just mind-blowing to watch this guy work."

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF DVALISHVILI

When Wood first met Dvalishvili, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He admitted that he initially thought training the Georgian would be a challenge and didn’t believe their personalities would mesh. 

“At first, I really didn’t think that we were gonna get on him. And, I’ve never been so wrong about something in my life, and glad I am because it’s turned into an amazing friendship and coaching relationship,” Wood said. 

The bond between them has since evolved into a close friendship, and Wood revealed that Dvalishvili’s ability to retain information so quickly has played a part in his success in MMA.

“He only needs to see things once or twice before he’s doing it perfect,” he said. 

“Once I kind of figured out how [Dvalishvili] learns and how to coach him, man, we clicked. It has been something I never would have guessed that would have worked out the way it has,” Wood concluded.