TJ Dillashaw, the former two-time UFC Bantamweight champion, had high praise for Merab Dvalishvili. The former bantamweight type revealed his praise while doing a UFC 320 for the Jaxxon podcast YouTube channel. Coming from someone with Dillashaw’s championship pedigree, these words carry significant weight.
“Scientific studies need to be done on Merab,” TJ said. “He’s just built differently genetically. He doesn’t slow down. He doesn’t get tired. Lactic acid buildup doesn’t affect him.”
He continued: ‘If Merab was not in the division, Cory Sandhagen would be champion. Not only is he on another level, but his strengths directly expose Cory’s weaknesses. ”
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson also to share his perspective. “Sandhagen made merab work. He kept knocking him down, but Sandhagen would get right back up,”
Dillishaw replied, “That’s one thing I’ll say about Merab. He has great takedown, but his top control isn’t dominant. That’s why he holds the world record for takedown. He doesn’t always keep guys down, but he never stops coming.”
“He’s just different” – UFC vet on Merab
The fighters also discussed Merab’s relentless pace and credited his coaches Matt Serra and Ray Longo for refining and weaponizing his style. Dillashaw emphasized that Merab’s physical capabilities are normal and likely cannot be replicated through training alone.
“He’s just different,” TJ said. “There’s a reason why no one can keep up with him.”
When asked if he would ever train with the current champion, Dillashaw admitted it was unlikely due to past tension with Aljamain SterlingMerab’s good friend and former champion, who TJ retired after fighting for the title.
For someone of TJ Dillashaw’s experience and caliber to use that word to describe another fighter is no small feat. It’s more than a compliment. It’s respect, recognition and validation from one of the best to ever compete in the division.
When asked if he believes Dvalishvili could be the greatest bantamweight of all time, TJ responded simply.
“His resume? Yes.”
Praise from someone like TJ Dillashaw is not handed out lightly. A two-time champion who has fought and defeated the very best, Dillashaw knows what greatness looks like. For him to speak so highly of Dvalishvili is a clear signal that the Georgian fighter is not only a standout in today’s era, but possibly one of the best ever. His pace, pressure and mentality have set him apart from his peers. In the eyes of champions, Merab is not only elite. He is exceptional.
Work in progress
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