In a revealing conversation on the Simple Man podcast featuring Damien Anderson, Nicky Rod, and other B Team members, UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili shared his perspective on the challenges of Sambo compared to mixed martial arts.
“In judo and Sambo, I was nervous because it’s hard,” Dvalishvili explained. “It’s like one point, once one point can change everything, score everything.”
The Georgian highlighted the unpredictable nature of Sambo competitions. “Then you win one match, you have second match, different guy. You never know who you’re gonna fight,” he said, emphasizing the mental challenges involved. “It’s very hard to win. That was harder than MMA.”
Despite acknowledging the difficulties, Dvalishvili recalled the excitement he felt when transitioning to MMA. “In the moment I start, I’m like, I was so excited. You feel like a gladiator,” he shared. “You’re gonna go crazy. I was feeling excited, really. I want to go in and just fight hard.”
Interestingly, the champion noted how his pre-competition emotions have evolved throughout his career. “After a couple fights later, now like I remember just 2020, and I was in locker room and I feel like nothing. I’m like, I was nervous, but why I’m not nervous? I don’t feel that I have a fight,” he recalled.
This emotional transformation has continued into recent competitions. “I realize I guess it’s how I feel now, and then even like last couple fights, I will say last, I don’t have any feeling. I actually have to make myself motivate,” Dvalishvili admitted.
His comments offer a fascinating glimpse into the psychological journey of a champion athlete, showing how even at the highest levels of competition, mental preparation remains a crucial component of success.
