Merab Dvalishvili is a name that will be etched in UFC history for making a highly skilled fighter like Sean O’Malley look almost ordinary. O’Malley, who is known for his super solid striking and “it” factor, was recently outclassed by Merab in a way that had many fans and critics reevaluating just how good Merab truly is. At the historic $20 million worth Sphere UFC 306 card, Merab delivered on all expectations, walking away with the bantamweight title win.
Thanks to his relentless cardio, which earned him the nickname ‘The Machine,’ Merab has never looked back after a rocky start in his first two UFC fights. Though his beginning was not a fairytale, he overcame the skepticism and just kept winning fight after fight. Now, as one of the UFC’s top champions, Merab’s pride in representing his heritage will certainly be as strong as ever it had been. However, some fans are often confused about his nationality and ethnicity, leading to speculation and curiosity about where this relentless athlete originates from.
Also Read: Merab Dvalishvili “Not Confident” About Moving To Featherweight After Sparring Ilia Topuria
Nationality and Ethnicity of Merab Dvalishvili
‘The Machine‘ was born in 1991 in Tbilisi, back when it was still part of the Georgian SSR. But here is where history gets interesting. Right around the time he was born, the Soviet Union collapsed, and Georgia became an independent country. So, while he was technically born in the USSR, Merab grew up in a free and independent Georgia, shaping him into the fighter fans know today.
Given that the MMA scene was pretty small in Georgia, there was no option for Dvalishvili other than moving outside of his homeland. At just 21, he took a giant leap to the U.S. to chase his dream of becoming a UFC champ. Subsequently, soon after he settled in, he teamed up with legendary coaches Matt Serra and Ray Longo, who still support him today.
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Therefore, when it comes to his background, Dvalishvili hails from the Caucasian ethnic group, which is native to Georgia and the South Caucasus. Moreover, he was raised in the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition, regularly attending the Georgian Orthodox Church. Seeing him from the outside, one can guess that cultural heritage and faith played a vital role in his life, influencing him both in the octagon and beyond.
Also Read: Merab Dvalishvili Accuses Umar Nurmagomedov Of Riding Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Coattails To Success
Does ‘The Machine’ Have US Citizenship?
After making a name for themselves, many big celebrities have gained citizenship in the countries they have moved to. And a very good example of that is Khamzat Chimaev, who got UAE citizenship, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who became a U.S. citizen after doing exceptionally well in their respective fields. So, considering it has been over 13 years since he moved to the U.S., does he have citizenship now?
Suggesting citizenship, Merab humorously mentioned that a lot changed for him after 2020. He started getting more fights in the UFC and earned good money. After moving to Vegas, he made fighting his full-time gig and got his immigration set, allowing him to travel without hassle. Now that he is a citizen, he jokes he can even confront O’Malley’s coach without worrying about deportation. Hence, it seems like he has become a US citizen now, although there is no concrete evidence of this.
What Religion Does Merab Practice?
There is no doubt that religion plays a massive role in the rise of many combat sports stars, from Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is a hardcore Muslim, to Jon Jones, who always thanks Jesus Christ after a win. Certainly, their religion is always a big question, especially with big names like Mike Tyson, Devin Haney, and others who changed their religion to become more disciplined, which later propelled their respective careers.
Reading his name, some fans might think the Georgian fighter follows Islam. However, that is not the case. As mentioned earlier, he is a dedicated follower of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and is part of the Georgian Orthodox Church. This church has roots that trace back to the apostles and a connection to Saint Andrew, one of Jesus’ original twelve disciples.
Also Read: Merab Dvalishvili Accuses Umar Nurmagomedov Of Riding Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Coattails To Success
