UFC commentator Jon Anik has asserted that Merab Dvalishvili has already earned the title of the greatest bantamweight fighter in history.
Anik`s declaration comes as Dvalishvili prepares for his second title defense in a highly anticipated rematch against Sean O`Malley at UFC 316. Should Dvalishvili emerge victorious, it would mark his 13th consecutive win and his fifth victory over a former UFC champion. However, Anik believes that even independent of Saturday`s outcome, “The Machine” has already solidified his legendary status.
“I do believe he already has status as the greatest bantamweight of all time,” Anik told MMA Junkie.
“I say that as a man who if I got married this weekend, Dominick Cruz would be a groomsman; he’s one of my best friends in the world. But when I look at the body of work of Merab Dvalishvili, in the modern era, he could be 14-0 in the UFC. He lost to Frankie Saenz and then a contentious ending against Ricky Simon. With respect to those two guys, it’s been 12 straight wins ever since.
“He left a murderer’s row of champions in his wake before he even fought for the title. He beat Henry Cejudo, beat Petr Yan, beat Jose Aldo, then he beat Sean O’Malley, and defends the title on the challenger’s timeline in beating Umar Nurmagomedov. Now the rematch with Sean O’Malley? As far as I’m concerned, with respect to Aljamain Sterling and my BFF Dominick Cruz, the greatest of all time, not so quietly, is Merab ‘The Machine’ Dvalishvili.”
The conversation surrounding the bantamweight GOAT is often debated. Dominick Cruz boasts an impressive resume with five title defenses and seven bantamweight title fight victories spanning both the UFC and WEC. However, his career was significantly interrupted by injuries. While the raw statistics might favor Cruz, who holds wins over notable former champions like Urijah Faber, T.J. Dillashaw, and Demetrious Johnson, Anik places greater weight on the strength of contemporary competition.
“I am biased to the modern era,” Anik acknowledged.
“I didn’t call a lot of Dominick Cruz’s prime, but the game has evolved. No. 1 contender types in 2025 are much better than they were in 2012, so for me, Merab’s the guy.”
