Merab Dvalishvili defended the belt again - unanimous decision

The second main event of UFC 320 night in Las Vegas was held in the lightweight division. In the title match, Merab Dvalishvili (21-4) defeated Kori Sendhagen (18-6) by unanimous decision and successfully defended his belt for the third time.

From the very beginning of the match, the goal was clear: Dvalishvili traditionally set a high tempo, controlling the center with pressure and compact movements. His stepwork, takedown readiness, and edge pressure forced the opponent to move "economically" into the cage. Sendhagen tried to break the tempo with long-distance intensive moves and scissor turns, but the Georgian champion's endless cardio and "cracks" in the developed clinch deflected points in each round.

The tactical clash of the opponents defined the picture of the fight: Sendhagen sought a path with combined shots and multifaceted action, while Dvalishvili gained the advantage by quickly closing the episode to his own advantage, going back and forth low, and taking control from above. Especially the tie-down attempts in the middle of the round, pressing against the wall, and the correct distribution of body weight on the ground were decisive factors.

Throughout the debate, Sandhagen's counter-attacks showed dangerous moments, but Dvalishvili's discipline and conscious decisions in position changes reduced the risks. The champion didn't slow down even in the big rounds, maintaining his momentum until the last minute, capturing the judges' attention. As a result, a unanimous decision - and the belt is in place.

This victory marks Merab's fourth in the last 13 months. Walking on such a schedule, excellent execution of the strategic plan in every battle, and maintaining high-intensity physical training further strengthened his prestige in the division.

At the same time, the question of the next challenger in the lightweight division is again heated up. There are few opponents who can match Dvalishvili's continuous pressure style, which is why interest in the promotion's next presentation and the doubles list is growing. Regardless of who he will be in the upcoming fight, the champion's main strength - discipline, cardio, and tactical fairness - will keep him among the favorites again.

In short, at the Las Vegas evening, Dvalishvili firmly said his word: tempo, pressure, and planned action - this is once again confirmed as a reliable formula for maintaining the championship.