SECTION 06 — THE STORY
FROM CONSTRUCTION SITE TO CHAMPION
Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Merab spent seven years in Judo and Sambo before emigrating to the United States at 21 — barely speaking English and working construction to chase the dream.
He found a home at the Serra-Longo Fight Team alongside close friend Aljamain Sterling, idolizing Mike Tyson and building the relentless, suffocating grappling style that made "The Machine" the most feared pace-pusher at 135 pounds.
"Once I step into the cage, that's my world. No problem."
— MERAB DVALISHVILI
