#merabdvalishvili

Deiveson Figueiredo is no stranger to high stakes. Once the king of the UFC Flyweight division, the Brazilian powerhouse has climbed into Bantamweight territory with a fire that refuses to fade. As he prepares to face Montel Jackson in the co-main event of UFC Rio, Figueiredo isn’t just fighting for another win—he’s aiming to leapfrog the competition and challenge Merab Dvalishvili for the title. It’s the kind of story that the sports channel world loves: a former champion, a home crowd, and a comeback built on determination and grit.

The Warrior Returns to Rio

Few athletes in mixed martial arts embody resilience like Deiveson Figueiredo. The man known as “Deus da Guerra” has faced every kind of challenge—from grueling title battles to reinvention in a new division. Now, as he steps back into the Octagon in his homeland of Brazil, he does so with renewed purpose. UFC Rio isn’t just another fight night for him—it’s an opportunity to remind fans and the sports channel audience that his fire still burns bright.

Figueiredo faces Montel Jackson, a rising contender known for his length, precision, and striking power. For the former two-time Flyweight champion, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A loss could push him further from title contention, but a victory—especially in dominant fashion—could catapult him back toward a gold-plated destiny.

Climbing Back After Setbacks

Momentum in MMA can vanish overnight. Just a year ago, Figueiredo was surging through the Bantamweight division with impressive wins over Cody Garbrandt and Marlon Vera. Fans and analysts alike began to whisper about a possible title shot. But back-to-back defeats against Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen brought that dream to a halt.

For many fighters, such setbacks might spell the beginning of the end. But Figueiredo has always operated differently. He views challenges as opportunities to rebuild. His drive, rooted in years of competition and a fierce belief in his skills, pushes him to evolve rather than fade away. “That’s the plan,” he explained ahead of UFC Rio. “Beat a guy who’s on a winning streak and earn a title shot against Merab.”

That mindset—bold, confident, and relentless—is what makes his story resonate across every sports channel and fan forum.

The Merab Dvalishvili Challenge

Merab Dvalishvili, the reigning Bantamweight champion, has carved out a reputation as one of the most tireless fighters in the UFC. His non-stop wrestling, pressure, and unbreakable cardio have turned him into a puzzle few can solve. But Figueiredo believes he’s the man who can match that intensity.

“He’s got great cardio, but I can train for that too,” Figueiredo said confidently. “People know I can go five rounds without getting tired. Even at my age, I still have the gas tank to face him.”

The matchup between Figueiredo and Dvalishvili would be a battle of wills—power versus pace, explosiveness versus endurance. It’s a fight fans would love to see unfold, and it’s exactly the kind of high-stakes showdown that the sports channel spotlight thrives on.

The Energy of a Homecoming

Returning to Rio de Janeiro brings with it an emotional charge for Figueiredo. Fighting in front of his home fans at Farmasi Arena means more than just an arena packed with supporters—it’s about pride, identity, and legacy. The crowd’s chants, the flags waving in the stands, and the familiar energy of Brazil will all fuel his determination to deliver something special.

In his homeland, Figueiredo becomes more than an athlete. He becomes a symbol of perseverance. He’s the fighter who refuses to quit, the man who still believes he can reclaim his throne even when the odds seem stacked against him. As a +220 underdog against Montel Jackson, he knows what he’s up against. But sometimes, fighting at home brings out something extra—a spark that numbers can’t measure.

Strategy and Mindset

Figueiredo’s approach to this fight is built on experience and adaptation. Over the years, he’s learned to adjust his pace, blend his striking with smart grappling, and maintain composure under pressure. Against a long and technical striker like Jackson, he’ll need to mix his attacks wisely—using movement, feints, and timing to close the distance.

His focus isn’t only on Saturday night, though. In the back of his mind, he’s already visualizing Merab Dvalishvili. He’s studying the champion’s rhythm, takedowns, and energy management. Figueiredo knows that one statement victory can put his name back in the same sentence as Dvalishvili’s, and he’s training accordingly.

“It’s similar to my style,” he explained about Dvalishvili’s approach. “He mixes things up—sometimes striking, sometimes taking you down. I can do the same, and I’ll be ready for him.”

Why Fans Still Believe

There’s something magnetic about fighters who refuse to fade away. Fans are drawn to comebacks—the stories of warriors who stumble, only to rise again with more conviction. Figueiredo fits that mold perfectly. Even after moving divisions and facing tougher, larger opponents, he’s never looked for an easier path. He’s chosen to climb higher.

The sports channel community often celebrates champions who define eras, but it’s the comeback fighters who steal hearts. Watching Figueiredo battle his way back up the rankings, with all the heart and hunger that made him a two-time Flyweight champion, is a story worth following. Whether or not he gets his wish to face Dvalishvili soon, his journey continues to inspire those who understand what it means to fight for something bigger than pride.

What’s at Stake

Saturday night in Rio isn’t just about rankings or title implications—it’s about redemption. It’s about a fighter who wants to prove that experience, heart, and belief can still overpower doubt. Figueiredo’s message to fans is clear: he’s not done, not tired, and not backing down.

If he defeats Montel Jackson, the Bantamweight landscape could shift dramatically. He may not leap directly into a title shot—especially with Petr Yan waiting for his rematch—but a win would make him impossible to ignore. It would send a signal to the UFC, to Merab Dvalishvili, and to every sports channel viewer around the world that “Deus da Guerra” still has plenty of wars left to fight.

Deiveson Figueiredo’s story heading into UFC Rio is about more than competition—it’s about spirit. The kind of spirit that drives a fighter to keep chasing greatness, no matter how many times he’s been counted out. And for fans watching across every sports channel, that’s the kind of story that makes combat sports truly unforgettable.

Cory Sandhagen steps into the Octagon at UFC 320 with more than just a title fight on the line — he carries the weight of long-held expectations. For years, he’s hovered just under the top, crafting highlight reels and proving himself against stiff competition, but never quite capturing gold. His opponent, Merab Dvalishvili, meanwhile, has turned relentlessness into an art form, defending the bantamweight crown with unyielding pressure and grinding excellence. On October 4, 2025 in Las Vegas, Sandhagen faces his biggest test yet: scaling the final summit to become champion, against a fighter many consider one of the hardest challengers in the division.

A Clash of Styles: Persistence vs. Precision

At its core, this matchup is a stylistic dance — pressure versus precision, grappling siege versus striking creativity. Dvalishvili earned his belt by mastering smothering offense and sustained pace. He now defends it in an era where titleholders must be threats everywhere. His wrestling is foundational, but lately he’s signaled a shift: in previews, the champion claimed he expects to engage in a fight that is “90 percent striking,” pushing back on assumptions that he’ll default to takedowns.

Sandhagen, on the other hand, has always leaned into striking — creative, sharp, with a penchant for traps and counters. But he isn’t just a one-trick pony: he’s confident in his wrestling defense, pointing to a fight against Umar Nurmagomedov where he turned aside eight takedowns, and even suggesting Umar might be a better offensive wrestler than Dvalishvili. He enters UFC 320 believing he can neutralize the champ’s usual strengths and force the issue on his terms.

In training, Sandhagen has emphasized cardio and defensive wrestling as essential pillars of his camp. He sees the fight as a chance to not just strike with power, but outlast, outmaneuver, and outthink his opponent.

Momentum, Stakes & Odds

Dvalishvili comes into this as a heavy betting favorite, riding a 13-fight win streak and two successful title defenses. With a reputation for suffocating pressure, he has proven he can wrestle even the sharpest strikers into submission. But Sandhagen has no illusions about expectations — he enters as the underdog, +275 in odds, while Dvalishvili sits at -360. Yet moments like these are where legends can be born.

For Sandhagen, the stakes go beyond belt acquisition. A win would validate years of being on the cusp, elevate his name, and reframe divisions. For Dvalishvili, another dominant defense would reinforce his title reign and perhaps push more debate about his place in bantamweight history.

Mind Games, Mascots & Trolls

In the lead-up, Sandhagen has leaned into humor and narrative as much as physical preparation. He created an online character — a loud, negative "fan" — to deliver hypercritical takes about him losing. It’s both self-aware and defiant: a way to acknowledge the noise and push it back with irony.

Meanwhile, Dvalishvili has remained grounded in his work. His coach has confirmed that the champion is serious about staying active and defending again in December, keeping momentum high. Yet Dvalishvili also seems primed to adapt. For a fighter known for pressure and wrestling, hinting that striking might be his primary tool is a potent psychological shift.

Key Factors That Could Decide the Fight

Takedown defense & transitions: If Sandhagen can consistently thwart Dvalishvili’s takedown attempts, he might force the fight into his comfort zone. But that’s easier said than done — the champion has landed more total takedowns over his career than anyone in UFC history.

Cardio yin to yin: While both men have strong endurance, a five-round war under pressure will test depth. Can Sandhagen maintain sharpness into the championship rounds? Can Dvalishvili keep that pace without slowing?

Striking precision & timing: Sandhagen’s best punches may come in bursts, after feints or as counters. If he can land cleanly early, he could force Dvalishvili to hesitate or rethink aggression.

Adjustment & adaptability: Perhaps the most telling factor will be who can change mid-fight. If Dvalishvili senses struggle in wrestling, will he lean more into striking? If Sandhagen sees openings in grappling, can he shift ground strategy?

What History & Legacy Hang in the Balance

A Sandhagen win would shift the narrative — the longtime contender turned champion, finally scaling the peak. He would become a reference point for underdog perseverance. Dvalishvili, conversely, is building a legacy defined by relentless defense. Another big win here will cement his reign, expand his reputation, and strengthen arguments about his place among bantamweight greats.

The fight also shapes future matchups. If Sandhagen becomes champ, doors open: rematches, stylistic clashes, and new rivalries. If Dvalishvili retains, challengers must adapt more creative strategies to dethrone him.

The world watches as UFC 320 looms. The lights dim in Las Vegas, the crowd pulses — and in the co-main event, two contrasting stories collide. One is stripped of expectations and driven to cement a name. The other is defending legacy with everything to lose. In the Octagon, there is no safety net — only the moment itself, and who seizes it.

Even though Merab Dvalishvili has built his champ status on relentless takedowns and pressure, he’s now telling a different story. As he prepares to defend his UFC bantamweight title against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320, “The Machine” is pledging that his next fight will be dominated by striking — claiming the bout will be “90 percent striking.”

Wrestling Champ Switches Gear (But Does He?)

Dvalishvili’s reputation is carved in ground game excellence. He holds the UFC record for total takedowns and has used his wrestling to control countless fights. Yet now, he insists this fight will require a near-complete shift in tactics. Despite his longtime coach John Wood previously saying nothing in their strategy is changing, Dvalishvili claims they’ve been “working my hands” and that the fight “starts standing.” He’s betting on his striking abilities to carry him forward.

He also points to his early fighting days — unrecorded bouts in Georgia — when he leaned more heavily on striking as proof that the foundation is there. “I have nine fights … in Georgia … I was striking before I even came to the U.S.,” he has said.

But his coach pushed back against the idea of a wholesale style change. Wood says the team is not abandoning what’s worked — instead, they’re “adding layers” to Dvalishvili’s game, building striking, submissions, and expanding his toolkit while preserving his identity.

Respecting the Threat: Why Sandhagen Demands That Shift

Sandhagen is no easy target. Known for dynamic striking, he’s delivered highlight finishes against names like Frankie Edgar and Marlon Moraes, showing power, versatility, and creativity in his fights. Dvalishvili acknowledges the danger — flying knees, spinning attacks, stance changes — and has said Sandhagen “hurts people … he’s dangerous.”

Sandhagen, for his part, is skeptical. He’s questioned whether Dvalishvili can truly sustain a striking-led game against someone with his wrestling pedigree. He argues that if “The Machine” abandons the grappling that made him champion, he’s playing into Sandhagen’s hands.

Still, Sandhagen’s humor also shows a psychological angle. Ahead of the fight, he’s trolled a fictional fan who doubts him, poking at the narrative that he’s the underdog.

Risks, Rewards & The Tactical Chess Match

Risk: Overcommitting to Striking

If Dvalishvili leans too heavily into striking, he risks giving up what has been his greatest advantage. Sandhagen will look to exploit openings, counter punch, and punish any missteps. The balance is delicate — too aggressive, and ground control is lost; too cautious, and he may lose exchanges.

Reward: Unpredictability & Danger

If Dvalishvili can convincingly land power shots or string together effective combinations, he becomes less predictable. A fighter who can threaten both standing and on the mat is more dangerous. If he pulls it off, the surprise factor works in his favor.

Midfight Adaptation Is Key

This fight likely won’t stay 100% on one plane. Dvalishvili may begin striking but still use grappling opportunistically. How he adjusts mid-round — whether he switches to wrestling control when striking stalls — could decide the outcome. The one who reads transitions better may gain the upper hand.

Cardio, Durability, and Output Matter

Sandhagen has excellent cardio and a sharp striking arsenal; Dvalishvili’s pressure style is taxing. If Dvalishvili’s strikes don’t land clean or early, he might fatigue. Likewise, Sandhagen must be wary — overextending leaves him vulnerable to a takedown or submissions.

What This Might Mean for the Title Picture

If Dvalishvili can truly show effective striking and still defend takedowns, he expands the narrative of his reign. Rather than being pigeonholed as a wrestler champion, he could shift to being a more complete fighter.

But a loss — particularly a knockout or decision due to striking — could highlight a weakness in his game: that his striking is still not on par with elite strikers. It might give future challengers a template: weather the early hand pressure, exploit striking flaws, and drag the fight into grappling only on their terms.

For Sandhagen, a win would vindicate his faith in his striking and reposition him among the elite. It would signal that he can handle a champ known for takedown dominance by making it a fight on his terms.

Dvalishvili’s promise of “90 percent striking” presents an intriguing shift in what fans expect from him. The clash with Sandhagen now looks like a chess match of styles, where every feint, every punch, and every scramble could tilt the outcome. The octagon stage is set — and the fight may tell us whether this heralds a new era for “The Machine” or reaffirms that his greatest strength is still below the surface.