In a notable nod to his relentless pressure and championship pedigree, Merab Dvalishvili has been named the 2025 ESPY Fighter of the Year. The announcement, highlighting a standout period in the UFC`s bantamweight division, acknowledges “The Machine`s” exceptional performance over the past year.
The ESPY awards operate on a specific eligibility window, distinct from a standard calendar year. For the 2025 Fighter of the Year, performances from July 1, 2024, through June 20, 2025, were under consideration. This particular timeframe proved to be incredibly fruitful for Dvalishvili, solidifying his status at the absolute pinnacle of his weight class.
During this precise twelve-month-minus-ten-day evaluation period, Dvalishvili compiled a perfect record, securing three crucial victories in title fights. His impressive run began by capturing the UFC Bantamweight Championship from Sean O`Malley at UFC 306. Not content to simply win the belt, he then successfully defended it against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311. Demonstrating his superiority and closing out the eligible period in style, Dvalishvili faced O`Malley again at UFC 316 in June, submitting the former champion in their rematch.
Three title wins against elite competition within a single, albeit slightly unconventional, award cycle is a remarkable feat. It underscores Dvalishvili`s activity level, durability, and undeniable skill against the division`s best. His high-paced, grappling-heavy style proved to be an unsolvable puzzle for opponents during this dominant stretch.
Dvalishvili emerged victorious from a strong field of contenders for the award. Other finalists included reigning champions such as Middleweight king Dricus du Plessis and Women`s Bantamweight titlist Kayla Harrison, as well as former Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Winning against such high-caliber competition further emphasizes the significance of Dvalishvili`s accomplishments within the award`s specified timeline.
The 2025 ESPY Fighter of the Year award serves as a fitting recognition for Merab Dvalishvili`s tireless work and unwavering success. It celebrates a period where he not only reached the summit of the bantamweight division but also defended his reign emphatically, cementing his place among the sport`s elite performers.
Marcus Blakely