Merab Dvalishvili Interview With Stake: Watch me Break him Down Round by Round

On October 4, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada, UFC 320: Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 is set to ignite the T-Mobile Arena. The light heavyweight title bout, together with the co main event with Merab Dvalishvili defending his belt for the third time, promises an action packed card that can potentially shift the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s rankings and landscape. Stake sat down with their global sports ambassador for an exclusive interview about the upcoming event, and we focus on it in this extensive guide. Read on for the latest odds, predictions, and key information that will benefit every MMA fan and bettor. 

What Was Said in the Interview?

To start their Exclusive interview with Merab, Stake wanted to know Merab’s opinion on what the fans can expect from the heavily anticipated UFC 320. “It’s a bantamweight title fight. We always deliver,” said Dvalishvilli, after which he commented on his opponent, saying, “Cory Sandhagen is a very talented, high level fighter. He has a dangerous game. He knocks people out with a flying knee, spinning back kick. He has a great submission game, like he showed against Bautista.” 

There was no lack of praise for the title contender by the champion, “Cory Sandhagen is a great fighter and I’m only expecting a great fight against him. I’m not overlooking him, it’s going to be a great fight, and MMA fans will have lots of fun because our fight will be lots of scrambling, lots of exchange punches, and a great fight to see.”

Talking preparation, he said, “My preparation is like always. I train hard, sparring, wrestling, jiu jitsu; I work out hard. I do everything for preparation in this fight; I’m not doing anything unusual in comparison to before. But preparation is going well.” Later, he added, “I’m just trying to do my best. I’m trying to focus. It’s a little bit different.”

He admitted there are challenges to his fame. “The more popular I’m getting, the more friends, more people trying to call me, more distractions. It’s getting a little bit harder to focus, and to train hard. But everything else, I am the same fighter, and I am even more hungry. The only thing that is different is that everybody keeps trying to bother me, and it’s hard to focus. But otherwise, nothing different. I’m training the same way I was before.”

Stake asked about his machine choke finish and if he could potentially do it again. “I have many more tools in my game,” said Merab confidently, “Whatever it takes to win this fight, I’m ready. I’m not expecting the fight against Cory Sandhagen to be easy anywhere. Of course, I’m looking for a finish, but I’m also ready for a five round war with him. But I have other submissions as well. Whatever it takes to win the fight, I’m ready to do it.”

Looking back at his success defending the title, Stake asked if he would fight again in December and where his motivation to keep going lies. “First of all, I love fighting,” shared the champion, “Second, I want to do it the most because I am enjoying this process. I’m young, I’m hungry, I’m getting better, and I want to be busy. Right now, we have a clear contender in Petr Yan. He looked good in the last three fights, and he deserves a title shot.” Seems like fans have something to look forward to at the end of the year. “He is ready to fight me, and I want to take a quick turnaround, and I want to be busy, give people what they want, which is a good fight.” 

Commenting on the Ankalaev and Pereira main event bout, Stake asked about his opinion. “Alex is a great fighter and was a great champion. But Ankalaev, we must not forget how good he is, now that he is the champion. It’s going to be a great match, I don’t know who’s going to win, actually. It’s going to be a very close fight, let’s see. If Ankalaev tries to do wrestling, let’s see how Alex Pereira will defend. Many things will make little changes for this fight, but in the end, I’m excited. I don’t know the prediction, but it will be an interesting fight.” He is a fan, like the rest of us!

Talking his winning streak and how the last loss affected him and if it was a big moment for him, Merab revealed, “Of course. Every loss is hard, especially in MMA. If you lose badly, all you can do is blame yourself, learn from it. And that’s what I did. I had some controversial losses, UFC or outside the UFC. But I blame myself, I took my time, and I tried to get better. Now I am here.” His last loss in UFC was at UFC Fight Night 128 on April 22, 2018. 

Analyzing the Odds of Every Fight

There will be 11 total fights across three cards at UFC 320, a whole lot of action for the fans, and a great night of the best combat sport. With two title bouts in the main card and balanced representation across categories, there will be something for everyone. With the event coming closer, the latest UFC 320 betting odds are out and we analize them right here and now.

Main Card

UFC 320’s main card is headlined by a UFC Light Heavyweight Championship rematch between champion Magomed Ankalaev (20-1-1) and former titleholder, Rank 1 fighter Alex Pereira (12-3). Ankalaev took the belt from Pereira at UFC 313 via unanimous decision, and Pereira now seeks redemption in their second meeting. Magomed is the favorite with 1.46 odds, while Pereira gets 2.75 odds. 

The co main event features reigning Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili (20-4) defending his belt against Cory Sandhagen (18-5), a long time top contender and Rank 4 fighter, finally getting his shot at gold. He is 4-1 in his last 5, but the underdog with 4.20 odds. The defending champ is on an incredible career long winning spree, with strong odds of 1.24 to defend his belt. 

Also on the main card is a high stakes light heavyweight contender fight between Jiří Procházka (31-5-1), a former champion known for his wild style, and Khalil Rountree Jr. (14-6-1), a powerful striker on a recent surge. Jiri is the favorite by bookies, getting 1.55 odds to take this one. Rountree is not without his chance with 2.46 odds. 

Josh Emmett (19-5), a veteran featherweight known for his knockout power and Rank 8 fighter, will be the underdog with 3.75 odds when he faces rising contender Youssef Zalal (17-5-1) in a must win matchup for both men. Rank 9 Zalal is a heavy favorite with 1.28 odds of winning.

Rounding out the main card is a middleweight battle between the dangerous Abus Magomedov (28-6-1) and surging prospect Joe Pyfer (14-3), who is looking to break into the top 10. He is 4-1 lately, while Magomedov has 3-2 in his last 5. Pyfer is faring better in odds with 1.46, while Magomedov is sitting at 2.75.

Preliminary Card

The preliminary card features three intriguing bouts across multiple divisions. Middleweights Edmen Shahbazyan and André Muniz square off in a bout that could determine the future trajectory of two fighters who were once considered rising stars. Shahbayzan is 15-5 with 3-2 lately and the favorite with 1.41 odds, while Muniz is 24-7 and 2-3, with underdog odds of 2.95.

Farid Basharat, a 13 win undefeated bantamweight prospect from Afghanistan, looks to stay perfect against veteran striker Chris Gutiérrez (22-6-2), who brings dangerous leg kicks and experience to the cage. The less experienced fighter is the odds leader with 1.41, while his USA opponent is at 2.95. 

Middleweight knockout artist Ateba Abega Gautier is the heaviest favorite of the night when he faces Ozzy Diaz in what could be a barnburner featuring two powerful strikers with something to prove on the UFC stage. Gauiter gets the maximum 1.10 odds to win it, with Osman only at 7.20 in the most lopsided bout of the event. 

Early Preliminary Card

These three fights will open the night and bring some early action that will usher in what is to come later. Former Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix (20-2) faces Polish standout debutant Jakub Wiklacz (16-3-2) in a clash of elite grapplers looking to establish themselves in the UFC’s deep 135 pound division. Mix is the favorite with 1.42 odds, while the newcomer gained 2.85. 

In women’s bantamweight action, Macy Chiasson is the bookies’ pick with 1.44 odds when she takes on Yana Santos with 2.80 in a battle between two well rounded veterans trying to regain footing in a division lacking clear contenders. Rank 5 Chiasson is a career 11-4 fighter, while Rank 10 Santos is 16-8.

At women’s flyweight, and the first fight of the event, Veronica Hardy from Venezuela (9-5-1) faces Brogan Walker from Guam (8-4) in a bout with potential ranking implications as both women aim to break into the top 15. Macedo is a strong favorite with 5.20, with Walker getting 5.20 odds. 

A Look at Dvalishvili’s Partnership with Stake 

Merab Dvalishvili has an important partnership with Stake, the leading online casino and sportsbook platform. This collaboration is part of Stake’s broader push into the combat sports world, aligning with high profile athletes to boost brand visibility and connect with MMA fans globally. They also have the same deal with Israel Adesanya, while the fellow stake ambassador Alex Pereira will be fighting alongside Merab at UFC 320. Stake is also the Octagon sponsor of UFC in South America. 

The partnership positions Dvalishvili as a brand ambassador for Stake, featuring him in exclusive content, promotional campaigns, and potentially special betting opportunities tied to UFC events. Stake is using Dvalishvili’s rising star power, undefeated streak, and fan friendly fighting style to appeal to a demographic that values both performance and authenticity. Through this deal, the sportsbook aims to offer fans access to exclusive UFC insights, VIP promotions, and fighter focused experiences that create a deeper link between sports entertainment and interactive betting. 

While exact financial details or the duration of the agreement have not been publicly disclosed, the partnership likely includes promotional appearances, co branded media content like the video where he chases a chicken as a part of his training and promotes the new Stake Originals game Chicken, and social media campaigns built around UFC fight weeks. For Dvalishvili, the deal provides additional visibility and income outside the octagon that further cements his position as a marketable figure in the fight world. For Stake, it is a strategic move to solidify their footprint in the MMA space by aligning with a fighter who is seen as both hardworking and elite. This collaboration not only boosts Merab’s profile but also adds a layer of credibility to Stake’s UFC focused betting initiatives. 

Merab Dvalishvili Trivia and Facts 

• Nickname “The Machine.” He is known as The Machine for his relentless cardio, pressure, and non stop pace inside the octagon.
• Georgian Roots & Early Training  Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, he began martial arts with traditional Georgian styles like chidaoba and khridoli, along with judo and sambo.
• UFC Bantamweight Champion. He won the UFC Bantamweight title on September 14, 2024, defeating Sean O’Malley by unanimous decision at UFC 306.
• First Georgian born UFC Champion. He made history as the first fighter born in Georgia (the country in Europe) to win a UFC championship.
• Record breaking Takedowns Merab holds the record for the most takedowns landed in UFC history.
• Rough Start / Strong Comeback. He lost two of his first three professional MMA fights but went on a long win streak that he is still on, defeating many elite opponents.
• Silver in Sambo World Championships Before becoming a UFC champion, he earned a silver medal at the 2019 World Sambo Championships in the 68 kg division.
• Training Camp Hardship and Injuries Merab fought through several serious injuries, including a nasty leg infection during a title camp caused by a training accident.
• Showmanship in the Cage. He is famous for his confidence and flair, like kissing Sean O’Malley on the head mid fight and taunting opponents when dominating.
• Pride in Georgian Heritage. After winning the title, he was awarded funds by the Georgian government and pledged to invest in local martial arts development. He proudly represents Georgia in and out of the octagon.