Merab Dvalishvili defended his UFC bantamweight title for the second time by submitting Sean O’Malley at UFC 316, marking his 13th consecutive win and showcasing a more aggressive style with a unique submission move he hopes to name the “Machine Choke.”
Merab Dvalishvili really is a Machine. On Saturday, he defended his UFC bantamweight title for the second time, submitting Sean O’Malley in their rematch at UFC 316. It was his 13th consecutive victory—arguably his most dominant performance yet. Dvalishvili credits his growing confidence as champion for this success.
“First time, I said, this one I was fighting for the belt,” Dvalishvili shared at the post-fight press conference. He wanted to win, especially against a dangerous opponent like O’Malley. Now, he plays more openly, taking calculated risks.
His aggressive style paid off. “The Machine” recorded just his second finish in the UFC—and his first submission. Impressively, it was a modified north-south choke with a ninja choke grip. Dvalishvili hopes to name it after himself.
“I don’t know name, sorry. But I’m hitting this choke in the gym,” he explained. His coach, John Wood, encouraged him to attempt more submissions during sparring. Though challenging with big gloves, he perfected it in jiu-jitsu. Now, he wants to call it the “Machine Choke!”
With 13 consecutive wins, Dvalishvili is entering rarified air in UFC history. Some fans already call him the bantamweight GOAT. He’s eager to build his resume further and has his sights set on Cory Sandhagen.
“Top of my head, he’s the best, deserving guy in this division right now,” Dvalishvili said. Sandhagen is a hard worker, super talented, and always fights the best. If the UFC agrees, Dvalishvili is ready to stay busy.