Merab Dvalishvili has quickly made a name for himself in the UFC as one of the most dominant wrestlers in the game. With an impressive number of takedowns to his name, Dvalishvili has proven that he has an extensive array of techniques that he can use to take down his opponents.
Dvalishvili is known for his wrestling. His double leg takedown is one of his most effective techniques. He uses it to great effect by timing his way under his opponent’s punches and running through their legs. He also works the shot well along the fence, where he can use the cage to his advantage.
Another technique that Dvalishvili likes to use is the cross-trip double leg. As he changes levels and hits the waist, Dvalishvili’s back leg will come forward and look to wrap up an ankle. This technique can be risky if mistimed, but it helps to eliminate the chance of getting sprawled upon.
Dvalishvili is also adept at combining his striking with his takedowns. He’ll often fire a lead overhand or right hand lead and crash into his opponent, grabbing at a leg with his left arm. This technique is similar to how Frankie Edgar would jab his way into the running single leg pickup, but it’s more of a collision that off-balances his opponent.
Dvalishvili is equally skilled at the single leg takedown. Whether he catches a kick or actually shoots for the leg, his favorite finish is to hike the trapped leg up a bit higher into his armpit, then trip out the base leg.
Dvalishvili is an extremely active clinch wrestler, going it at for knee position very well, especially along the fence. He’s secured some similar trips from the rear waist lock, stepping around his opponent’s leg as he falls to the canvas.
Dvalishvili’s wrestling style is centered on maintaining a pace that his opponents can’t match. He focuses on activity more than control, keeping his opponents trapped in a cycle of wrestling. He shoots or clinches, lands a takedown, and starts transitioning or landing shots.
His opponent is forced to react and struggle their way back up, usually at the cost of a few head-buzzing punches. Then, Dvalishvili is right back on the reshot or mat return, and the cycle repeats.
