SUMMARY
- Merab Dvalishvili has often been seen walking out wearing a papakha hat in his UFC fights.
- Merab left his hometown to move to the United States to follow his UFC dream.
UFC bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili is all set to face one of his biggest career challenges. The UFC fighter will be squaring off against former double-champion Henry Cejudo at UFC 298. Both fighters have had to and fro on social media but will finally settle their differences in the octagon on February 17, 2024. Merab is currently #2 in the UFC bantamweight rankings.
The Georgian professional mixed martial artist last stepped in the octagon against former division champion Petr Yan at UFC Fight Night 221. He was able to put on a dominant performance, keeping the pace and pressure on his opponent and winning via unanimous decision. After the win, he furthered his winning streak to nine fights, which is the second longest in the division.
Along with his UFC performances, fans also know the fighter for his goofy antics and stand-out attire. A key part of his walkouts and post-fight interviews is his hat, called papakha. In a recent interview with UFC 298 Countdown, he shared, “This hat right here, made from goat hair. The Georgian people used to wear this in mountains”. Signifying its cultural value to his community and country.
Merab Dvalishvili left Georgia and moved to the United States to fulfill his UFC dream
Merab Dvalishvili has one of the most inspiring journeys, from poverty to making it to the UFC. The bantamweight stated, “It was a very tough time when I was growing up, Georgian economy was down, and most people don’t have food and don’t have money. But my parents were a big motivation for me because they always give me good directions in life.” He talked about his struggles and family support.
The UFC fighter was born in Tbilisi, Georgian SSR, and grew up in an independent Georgia. He initially trained in sambo and judo when he was young for self-defense. Later, he moved to the United States at the age of 21 to become a professional MMA fighter, training under Ray Longo and Matt Serra. He has talked about his tough childhood, which often involved frequent street fights.
Dvalishvili credits his upbringing and value system, which have allowed him to become one of the best fighters in the UFC. He also owes a lot to the support of his family during his entire endeavor. Merab states, “They told me you have to earn everything. So to leave my family and emigrate to United States wasn’t hard because I have a goal. I want to be UFC fighter and represent Georgian Flag.”
Bantamweight Bout for the Number 1 Contender: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo at UFC 298! 🥊 #UFC298 #UFC297 pic.twitter.com/o8PRvppzFh
— MMA.PROS.PICK (@MMAPROSPICK) January 18, 2024
This shows what it means for the bantamweight to hold his country’s flag and represent his community. Merab Dvalishvili has inspired an entirely new generation with his papakha, which is a symbol of honor and bravery and is also often worn by leaders and respected figures in the region.