Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen: A Tactical Showcase
The octagon housed a thrilling contest as Merab Dvalishvili displayed his unparalleled skills in grappling and striking against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320. The event took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on October 5, 2025, and was part of an electrifying fight card that also saw numerous noteworthy bouts.
Dvalishvili (21-4 MMA, 14-2 UFC) entered the octagon with not just the intention to win, but to leave a mark in the history books. He achieved that goal in style, overwhelming Sandhagen (18-6 MMA, 11-5 UFC) with an astounding pace and relentless grappling prowess, leading to a unanimous decision victory (49-45, 49-45, 49-46).
Breaking Records
One of the most staggering achievements of the night came from Dvalishvili as he set a UFC record for the most takedowns in a title fight with a jaw-dropping total of 20 takedowns. This performance not only showcased his stamina but also his technical prowess, as he maneuvered Sandhagen to the ground at will. Extracting that many takedowns in a single fight underscores Dvalishvili's relentless grappling strategy combined with an effective striking game.
“I needed just three takedowns to become the first fighter in UFC history with 100 in a career. I blew that number away with 17 more,”
Dvalishvili remarked post-fight, beaming with pride over his performance.
The Fight Breakdown
As the fight commenced, Sandhagen started strong, looking to establish dominance with clean strikes. He connected with a barrage of hooks, suggesting he came prepared to deliver a dynamic striking approach. However, it wasn't long before Dvalishvili closed the distance and engaged him on the ground.
In the opening round, Dvalishvili faced challenges; while he secured a takedown early on, he struggled to maintain control as Sandhagen displayed impressive defensive skills, returning to his feet swiftly. Eventually, the champion managed to land a heavy combination of strikes that stunned Sandhagen and allowed him to maintain a strong lead heading into the subsequent rounds.
Rounds 2 to 4: The Relentless Pressure
Each round unfolded like a chess match, layered with tactics and explosiveness. Dvalishvili came out swinging in Round 2, tripping Sandhagen to the ground early, but Sandhagen's quick recovery became a recurring theme throughout the fight.
By Round 3, the trend of Dvalishvili's aggressive grappling began to take its toll. Although Sandhagen showcased resilience and tried to surge back with body strikes, it soon became evident that Dvalishvili's game plan was firmly in control. Every time Sandhagen attempted to gather momentum, Dvalishvili countered effectively, shooting for takedowns that highlighted his grappling superiority.
Rounds 4 to 5 saw a continuation of this narrative. Dvalishvili's strikes became more potent, as he consistently scored takedowns. By the time the fighters entered the fifth and final round, Sandhagen was visibly exhausted, unable to stave off Dvalishvili's relentless pursuit.
Future Implications in the Bantamweight Division
Dvalishvili stated post-fight that he would welcome a quick turnaround for a fourth title defense, hinting at potential rivals like former champion Petr Yan. The dynamic landscape of the bantamweight division is electrified, prompting discussions about who could next challenge Dvalishvili's reign.
UFC 320 Results Recap
- Merab Dvalishvili def. Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-46)
- Jiri Prochazka def. Khalil Rountree Jr. via KO (punches) – Round 3, 3:04
- Youssef Zalal def. Josh Emmett via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 1:38
- Joe Pyfer def. Abus Magomedov via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 1:44
- Ateba Gautier def. Treston Vines via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:41
- Daniel Santos def. JooSang Yoo via KO (punches) – Round 2, 0:21
UFC 320 was packed with action and drama, and Merab Dvalishvili's performance may very well reshape the narrative of the bantamweight title scene. Fans are eager to see what's next for this undefeated champion.
