The Machine's Secret: Merab Dvalishvili's Walk Around Weight And His Shocking 35-Pound Weight Cut

Merab Dvalishvili, the relentless UFC Bantamweight Champion known as "The Machine," is famous for his non-stop cardio and pressure, but the real shocker for fans is the massive difference between his fighting weight and his typical weight when he is not in a fight camp. As of late 2025, Dvalishvili’s commitment to the 135-pound division requires one of the most drastic weight cuts in the sport, a process that is as grueling as his wrestling-heavy style in the Octagon.

The Georgian powerhouse, who has dominated the division with an incredible win streak, typically maintains a walk around weight between 160 and 170 pounds. This means that for every fight at the 135-pound bantamweight limit, Merab Dvalishvili must shed an astonishing 25 to 35 pounds, a testament to his discipline and the extreme measures required to compete at an elite level.

Merab "The Machine" Dvalishvili: Complete Fighter Profile

Merab Dvalishvili is a symbol of Georgian fighting spirit and American MMA training excellence, having established himself as one of the most dominant champions in the UFC's bantamweight division. His relentless pace and wrestling pedigree have earned him the nickname "The Machine."

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

• Full Name: Merab Dvalishvili
• Nickname: The Machine
• Born: January 10, 1991 (Age 34 in 2025)
• Birthplace: Tbilisi, Georgia
• Fighting Out Of: Long Island, New York, U.S.
• Height: 5' 6"
• Reach: 68 in
• Division: Bantamweight (135 lbs)
• Stance: Orthodox
• Team: Serra-Longo Fight Team
• Coaches: Ray Longo, Matt Serra
• Professional MMA Record: 21-5-0 (as of late 2025)
• Notable Wins: José Aldo, Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, Cory Sandhagen, Sean O'Malley
• Current Status: UFC Bantamweight Champion

The Extreme Cut: How Merab Drops 35 Pounds for Bantamweight

The secret to Merab's ability to compete at 135 pounds while walking around at up to 170 pounds lies in a unique, almost "old-school" approach to weight cutting, which starkly contrasts with the high-tech methods used by many of his peers. His process is a blend of intense training and a surprisingly simple, grueling regimen.

The 160–170 lb Maintenance Weight

During the off-season or when not preparing for a fight, Merab's body naturally settles in the 160 to 170-pound range. This weight class is closer to the featherweight division (145 lbs) and highlights the significant size advantage he possesses over many of his bantamweight opponents once he rehydrates after the weigh-in. This substantial weight difference is a key factor in his relentless pressure and grappling dominance.

His training at the renowned Serra-Longo Fight Team, alongside training partners like former champion Aljamain Sterling, focuses heavily on conditioning and volume. This intense, high-output training is what keeps his walk-around weight relatively high but incredibly lean and powerful.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Unorthodox and Brutal Weight Cutting Methods

Merab has been vocal about his no-nonsense, old-school approach to the final stages of his weight cut. While many fighters rely on saunas, hot baths, and sophisticated nutritionists, Dvalishvili prefers a more direct, physically demanding method.

• The 48-Hour Fast: Merab has revealed that he often fasts for up to 48 hours leading into the weigh-ins, starting from Tuesday night before a Saturday fight. This means no food or water during this critical two-day window.
• Running Over Sauna: Instead of sitting in a sauna or taking hot baths to sweat out the water weight, Merab prefers to run. He runs to sweat, believing it is a healthier and more effective way to shed the final pounds. This method is a throwback to his judo roots and is part of what gives him his legendary cardio.
• Confronting Temptation: In a bizarre but famous incident, Merab even showed himself confronting the temptation of junk food, using a pizza to aid his weight cut by staring it down before his UFC 323 title defense. This mental fortitude is as crucial as the physical grind.

The Impact of the Weight Cut on 'The Machine's' Performance

The ability to consistently and successfully make the 135-pound limit from a walk-around weight of 160–170 lbs is a key competitive advantage for Merab Dvalishvili. It allows him to carry a significant size and strength advantage into the Octagon against top-tier opponents like Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, and Cory Sandhagen.

However, this extreme cut is not without risk. The weight-cutting process is arguably the most dangerous part of a fighter's career, and a cut of this magnitude requires perfect execution and recovery. Merab's success is a testament to his incredible physical conditioning and the expert rehydration protocol managed by his team.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

Cardio: The Ultimate Weapon

Despite the extreme water depletion, Merab Dvalishvili's trademark is his seemingly unlimited gas tank. His cardio is often cited as the best in the sport, allowing him to maintain a pace that breaks his opponents mentally and physically, especially in the championship rounds. This is a direct result of his relentless, "old-school" training philosophy, which prioritizes sport-specific conditioning and explosive functional workouts over heavy weightlifting.

His ability to push the pace for five full rounds is the reason he is now the Bantamweight Champion and why many analysts believe he could also compete effectively in the featherweight division, a move his coach has previously downplayed due to the challenges of making the 145-pound limit, but one that remains a topic of discussion among fans.

Future Implications and The 135-lb Reign

As Merab continues his reign at 135 pounds, his size and the sheer volume of his weight cut will remain a central point of discussion. His next title defenses will pit him against the best contenders who are all looking to solve the puzzle of "The Machine." The fact that Dvalishvili can drop so much weight yet maintain his incredible stamina and strength is a major reason why he is such a dominant force in the UFC today. The 160-170 pound walk-around weight is not just a number; it is the foundation of his championship-level pressure.