Merab Dvalishvili Eyes Cory Sandhagen for Next Title Defense Amid UFC's Open Invitation

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is finally enjoying the privileges that come with holding gold. Following a dominant performance over Sean O’Malley in their June rematch, Dvalishvili now finds himself in the driver’s seat—not only choosing when he returns to the Octagon, but also selecting who he’ll defend his title against next.

Speaking to MMA Junkie, Dvalishvili (20-4) shared that for the first time in his career, the UFC has extended a rare courtesy: full autonomy over his next move. The Georgian native was taken aback by the organization’s approach, recalling the surprising yet welcome call from UFC brass while he was back home.

“This is the first time the UFC called me, when I was in Georgia, and said, ‘Go enjoy your country, have a great time, and when you come to Las Vegas, let’s go to dinner and choose who you want to fight and when you want to fight,’” Dvalishvili said. “I was like, ‘Wow.’ This is the first time (it happened).”

Known for his relentless pace and unmatched cardio, “The Machine” has surged to the top of the 135-pound division with grit and consistency. Now that he’s earned the belt, he appears to be leaning toward a matchup with Cory Sandhagen as his next challenge.

“Cory Sandhagen is the most deserving,” Dvalishvili stated, pointing to the top contender’s body of work and place in the rankings.

With former champ Petr Yan already scheduled to face Marcus McGhee later this month, the timing aligns well for a fresh title matchup.

Sandhagen (16-4) has been a staple in the bantamweight elite for years. Known for his striking creativity and durability, a clash between him and Dvalishvili promises to be both technically compelling and physically demanding.

While the opponent is seemingly in place, the timing remains a puzzle. Dvalishvili has his sights set on fighting twice more before the year ends. Ideally, he would like to compete at an anticipated UFC pay-per-view in October in Las Vegas and again in November when the promotion is expected to return to New York—two venues that hold deep significance for the champion.

“I want to fight soon,” Dvalishvili said. “I always want to fight in New York. But Abu Dhabi, I don’t think so. I don’t think it’s pay-per-view. I think pay-per-view must be in Vegas in October, and then November (in New York). I live here in Las Vegas now, and it’s going to be home, and it’s going to be easy. But I also want to fight in New York.”

Dvalishvili’s desire to stay active and his passion for performing in key U.S. markets reflects both his fighting spirit and strategic mindset as champion. As the UFC builds toward its fourth quarter of events, all eyes will be on how the bantamweight division shapes up—and whether Sandhagen gets his long-awaited title shot.

With the UFC granting Dvalishvili the power to steer his own path, fans could be witnessing the beginning of a new era of influence for one of the promotion’s most hard-working and well-respected champions.