Everyone takes a different path to the top—some for fame, others for success. But in the end, they all reach for the same prize: the shining pull of money that draws them in, no matter their reason for climbing. It can be painful to reach the top and still find the rewards lacking, forcing many to hustle harder for money. This seems to be the case for UFC champ Merab Dvalishvili, who, despite his success, still has to put in extra work to make ends meet.
In a candid conversation with UFC veteran Jake Shields, Merab Dvalishvili opened up about his early days in Dana White’s promotion. He recalled earning $10,000 from his first fight, which he used to buy a car and share some with his team. But after spending it all, he found himself broke. Determined not to repeat that mistake, the Georgian fighter decided to go back to work, even after leaving his job to pursue fighting full-time.
He said, “I lost my first fight in the UFC, and we know that the UFC pays $10,000. And you still have to pay your manager some expenses. I bought a car, I was driving a very old car and then had no money. In my second fight I got a bonus…I stopped working, but when my next fight came, I was broke again because I had spent all this money. And I’m like, now what? When I win the next one, I keep the money and start working because I don’t want this to happen again.”
There’s no denying that fighter pay in combat sports is a hot topic. Fighters risk their bodies every time they step into the cage. Yet while some boxers, including those in YouTube matches, can rake in big bucks, many UFC athletes don’t see that same financial reward. However, Merab Dvalishvili appears to be living a more comfortable life these days after the initial struggles.
Merab Dvalishvili Thanks Dana White for Opening Doors to the UFC
It’s been one week since the Georgian fighter has become the champion of the bantamweight division, defeating Sean O’Malley. In a recent post, he reflected on what it means to be a UFC champion and expressed his gratitude to Dana White and the team. He emphasized that if White hadn’t found him that unforgettable night at Ring of Combat, he might not have made it to the UFC and would still be pursuing his career elsewhere.
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Merab has certainly come a long way. Much like Alex Pereira, he rose from humble beginnings to become a superstar in the UFC. With his engaging social media posts and hilarious persona, he receives the love and recognition from fans he truly deserves.
Also Read: Joe Rogan Strongly Defends Jake Paul’s Boxing Skills Ahead Of Fight With Mike Tyson
