Funny Car to F1: Merab Dvalishvili's Subtle Evolution

A Quick Breakdown on Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley at UFC 316

The Machine

Contents:

• A Refined Weapon

• Now He’s Got Subs?!

Great pressure fighters are able to slowly but surely remove their opponent’s offensive weapons. Pressure fighters approach a fight as if an arrow piercing through the layers of concentric circles, the innermost being their winning condition or geography. Despite withering an opponent’s offense through sheer pace in many a previous bout, Merab Dvalishvili has seemingly gone from strength to strength, pairing his manic pace with genuine tactical execution. His route to victory through sheer activity will still work against most, but it is no longer the only tool in his arsenal. Once a William Wallace type, wielding his heavy claymore of cardio, he has expanded his ability to become something of a Hoplite: his cardio his spear, tactical execution his short sword, and footwork his shield.

Dvalishvili’s initial meeting with O’Malley at Noche UFC was not the most convincing win of his career. He skirted around the edge of the cage, limiting most exchanges in a gameplan not suited to weaponizing his cardio until later in the fight. At UFC 316 however, Dvalishvili seemed prepared to shut down O’Malley’s weapons through forcing a gameplan that elevates his own strengths (V1).

V1

Disclaimer: The video clips included in this article are not owned by the author. They are included for educational purposes only to illustrate key moments in the fighter’s career and demonstrate aspects of mixed martial arts techniques and strategies. All rights to the video content belong to their respective owners.

A Refined Weapon