In the 32-year existence of the UFC, dozens of records have been set, smashed and set again. Then there are thresholds, one of which is ready to be broken at UFC 320 Saturday, Oct. 4 in Las Vegas.
Merab Dvalishvili can become the first fighter to score 100 takedowns. He needs only three more to reach the century mark heading into his bantamweight title defense fight against Cory Sandhagen in the co-main event.
Dvalishvili, the 34-year-old Georgian, already has the career takedown record with 97. The previous record holder was Georges St-Pierre, who had 90 during his Hall-of-Fame career. And now the 100 mark awaits.
“Will be nice numbers,’’ Dvalishvili said at the final press conference before UFC 320.
Those numbers reflect not only Dvalishvili’s exceptional wrestling skills, but also his dominance in the bantamweight division.
Dvalishvili (20-4, 3 KOs) has won 13 fights in a row, including victories over four former UFC champions: Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo and Sean O’Malley. Dvalishvili beat O’Malley twice – in 2024 to win the bantamweight title and in June to defend a second time.
“Like I said, it’s just beginning for me,’’ Dvalishvili said.
But Sandhagen (18-5, 8 KOs) suggests it’s the end of Dvalishvili’s dominant run, including three matches as the bantamweight champion.
Dvalishvili has vowed to engage in striking rather than focus on wrestling during the fight. Sandhagen called him a liar but also said takedowns will not save Dvalishvili.
“Whether he likes it or not, we’re striking because he’s not going to be able to take me down,’’ Sandhagen said. “And if he does, I’ll get right back up.’’
Fired back Dvaslishvili, “I’ll show you everything. We fighting mixed martial arts. Of course I’m ready (to) knock you out…’’
He’s also ready to do more than reach the 100-mark for takedowns when he gets into the octagon with Sandhagen.
“Maybe 110,’’ Dvaslishvili said. “We’ll see.’’