Get ready for a story that will leave you in awe of the incredible Merab Dvalishvili, the UFC bantamweight champion who's not just a fighter, but a true warrior.
Dvalishvili, with an impressive record of 21-4 in MMA and 14-2 in the UFC, successfully defended his title for the third time this year. He emerged victorious against Cory Sandhagen in a unanimous decision at UFC 320, an event that showcased his exceptional skills and determination.
But here's where it gets truly fascinating. Khalil Rountree Jr., who shares the same head coach as Dvalishvili, witnessed something extraordinary on fight day. He was left speechless as he watched 'The Machine' prepare for battle.
Rountree Jr. shared his experience on 'The JAXXON PODCAST', revealing, "At 12 o'clock on fight day, Merab sparred five full rounds in the cage. Live, on the very day of his fight. That's just how he rolls. Five rounds, not even half a day before he had to step into the arena for the biggest fight of his career. It's mind-blowing."
He continued, "Being around someone like that is an experience in itself. Most fighters would be relaxing in their hotel rooms, gathering their thoughts, or maybe even doing a light workout. But Merab? He sparred five full rounds, and then went on to fight another five with Cory Sandhagen. He's a breed apart."
And this is the part most people miss. While Rountree Jr. also fought on the same night, he fell short against Jiri Prochazka, despite winning the first two rounds. It just goes to show that in the world of UFC, anything can happen.
So, what do you think? Is Merab Dvalishvili's preparation strategy a sign of his exceptional mental fortitude, or is it a risky move? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this fascinating aspect of UFC training.