Sandhagen's Take on Dvalishvili's Takedown Record: A Game or a Strategy?
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili, made history by tying the record for most consecutive 135-pound title defenses, dominating Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320. While Sandhagen handled the defeat with grace, praising Dvalishvili's performance, he recently downplayed the 20 takedowns that set a new single-fight title record in an interview with Ariel Helwani. Sandhagen's perspective on the takedowns is intriguing, as he questions the impact of Dvalishvili's wrestling moves.
"I mean, the 20 takedowns is kind of funny to me, because I think that if you watch that fight, you’re not going to be like, ‘Wow, Merab’s wrestling was super impressive’ because what’s a takedown without any control?" Sandhagen said. "It’s kind of just, like, mat returns don’t hurt. You know what I mean? Like, it’s not like he was picking me up and slamming me — if you just bump me down to my knees and I just have to get back up, that to me, is not like a quote, unquote, MMA takedown. Maybe it scores points in wrestling, but I mean, you’re not doing any damage."
Sandhagen's comments highlight a potential debate about the effectiveness of Dvalishvili's wrestling strategy. He suggests that while Dvalishvili's takedowns may have been impressive in terms of technique, they lacked the element of control and damage that is often associated with successful takedowns in MMA. Sandhagen's perspective adds an interesting layer to the discussion, inviting further analysis and commentary on the strategic aspects of wrestling in the UFC.
Despite Sandhagen's criticism, Dvalishvili's dominant performance and historic takedown record cannot be overlooked. The 33-year-old contender's relentless approach and ability to impose his will for five rounds demonstrate his skill and determination. Sandhagen's loss marks his second failed bid for the belt, but he remains optimistic about his future in the sport, aiming to return to action in early 2026 and potentially facing former champion Sean O'Malley.
The UFC community continues to buzz with discussions about Dvalishvili's performance and Sandhagen's comments, sparking debates about the criteria for evaluating wrestling in MMA. As the sport evolves, these conversations contribute to a deeper understanding of the strategic elements that contribute to success in the octagon.
