Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has awarded a substantial monetary prize to two of the country’s UFC champions, Merab Dvalishvili and Ilia Topuria. Each UFC champion will receive one million Georgian Lari, equivalent to approximately $375,000 USD, in recognition of their unprecedented success in the UFC.
Dvalishvili, who recently claimed the bantamweight title at UFC 306 in Las Vegas, has pledged to use his award to promote and develop grappling in the region. The grappler, known as “The Machine,” expressed his commitment to nurturing young talent and elevating the sport’s profile in Georgia.
“Merab Dvalishvili said that he will give this money to charities and develop the MMA Teams and BJJ/Judo/Wrestling clubs in order to raise more UFC Champions in Georgia ❤” – as per Georgian journalist Giorgi Kokiashvili.
Dvalishvili’s journey to the championship was not without its challenges. After losing his first two UFC bouts, he faced the possibility of being cut from the roster. However, he persevered, embarking on an impressive ten-fight winning streak that ultimately led to his title shot against Sean O’Malley.
The UFC 306 event, which saw Dvalishvili crowned as champion, was a record-breaking success, generating $22 million in gate revenue. His victory by unanimous decision was a testament to his skill and determination, solidifying his place among the elite fighters in the sport.
Ilia Topuria, the first Georgian to capture a UFC title, shares in this prestigious award. Topuria claimed the featherweight championship with a stunning knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski earlier this year. He is set to defend his title against Max Holloway at UFC 308 in the United Arab Emirates next month.
Prime Minister Kobakhidze emphasized the significance of having two Georgian champions among the current eight UFC titleholders. This achievement has not only brought pride to the nation but has also sparked increased interest in mixed martial arts among Georgian youth.
Dvalishvili’s commitment to reinvesting his award into the sport aligns with the government’s vision of promoting athletic excellence and providing opportunities for the next generation of fighters. The establishment of new training centers and the implementation of grappling programs are expected to significantly boost the sport’s growth in Georgia.
