Merab Dvalishvili, affectionately known as `The Machine,` has carved out a path of relentless dominance in the UFC bantamweight division. His recent, convincing victory over Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320 marked another emphatic defense of his title, leaving many to ponder the daunting question: who, if anyone, possesses the strategic key to unlock his seemingly impenetrable reign?
In a sport where narratives shift with every punch and submission, former two-time bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw has stepped forward with a compelling piece of tactical insight. According to Dillashaw, the overwhelming majority of Dvalishvili`s challengers are making a critical, repeated error—one that Umar Nurmagomedov, despite his past encounter, appears to have instinctively avoided.
Dillashaw Identifies a Glaring Tactical Oversight
Speaking on the *Jaxxon Podcast* alongside `Rampage` Jackson, Dillashaw didn`t mince words when assessing Dvalishvili`s recent performances. His analysis cut directly to the core of Dvalishvili`s unique wrestling-heavy style, and more importantly, how his opponents consistently fail to counter it.
“I think that’s a mistake a lot of guys make, that they’re not shooting on him,” Dillashaw stated, highlighting what he perceives as a fundamental misjudgment.
Dvalishvili`s game thrives on relentless forward pressure, an unyielding pace, and the sheer volume of his takedown attempts. He`s a human perpetual motion machine, constantly advancing, constantly threatening to put his opponents on their back. The common response has been to attempt to keep the fight standing, to evade the grappling exchanges, and to try to outstrike him. However, Dillashaw argues this approach plays directly into `The Machine`s` hands, allowing him to dictate the tempo and eventually secure those crucial control positions.
Umar Nurmagomedov: The Maverick with the Right Idea?
This is where Umar Nurmagomedov enters Dillashaw`s tactical spotlight. Despite having faced Dvalishvili before at UFC 311—a bout that, for various reasons, didn`t go Umar`s way—Dillashaw points to one specific aspect of Nurmagomedov`s strategy that set him apart.
“Umar did, though. That’s why I want to see him fight Umar again because someone needs to take him down and hold him down. Who knows how good his bottom game is? I don’t know,” Dillashaw elaborated, unveiling the intriguing possibility of Dvalishvili`s Achilles` heel.
The irony is rich: against one of the sport`s most dominant grapplers, Dillashaw suggests the answer might lie in a deeper commitment to grappling. By *initiating* takedowns, rather than merely defending them, an opponent could potentially flip the script. This strategy would force Dvalishvili to grapple defensively, to demonstrate his ability to get back to his feet, or, even more intriguingly, to showcase his defensive grappling from the bottom—a realm `The Machine` rarely has to inhabit.
It`s a bold thought experiment. Dvalishvili`s offensive wrestling is legendary, but how robust is his defense when *he* is the one being taken down and held? It`s a question few have genuinely pushed him to answer, making Dillashaw`s call for a rematch with Umar not just a fan`s wish, but a fascinating strategic proposition.
Khabib`s Unwavering Faith and Umar`s Road Ahead
Umar Nurmagomedov, currently navigating the aftermath of that title loss, is poised for a significant rebound. His upcoming clash against Mario Bautista at UFC 321 presents a critical opportunity to reaffirm his status as a top contender and build momentum towards a potential rematch that Dillashaw clearly believes holds strategic significance.
The pressure on Umar is undoubtedly amplified by the high expectations from within his own camp. His legendary cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, has not shied away from proclaiming Umar`s prodigious talent, even going so far as to envision him as a future pound-for-pound king.
“On high level, who can become pound-for-pound (number one)? I really believe Umar can be there too,” Khabib shared during a Q&A session. He drew parallels to Islam Makhachev`s journey, who also faced an early career loss before ascending to champion status. “Umar’s situation right now, he’s dealing with a loss but, in 2015, Islam was in the same position. Today’s 2025 and he’s the best fighter on the earth.”
This endorsement from a figure of Khabib`s stature isn`t merely familial pride; it`s a testament to the belief in Umar`s intrinsic capabilities and mental fortitude. The challenge for Umar now is not just to win, but to demonstrate the kind of tactical intelligence and unwavering commitment that Dillashaw suggests is necessary to truly test Dvalishvili.
The Bantamweight Division Awaits a True Test
Merab Dvalishvili`s dominance is undeniable, but every reign, no matter how iron-clad, eventually faces its ultimate test. Dillashaw`s sharp analysis has peeled back a layer, suggesting that the path to victory against `The Machine` isn`t necessarily about avoiding his strength, but perhaps confronting it head-on, in a way that truly exposes his less-tested attributes.
As Umar Nurmagomedov prepares for his next challenge, the whispers of a potential rematch with Dvalishvili carry new weight. If Dillashaw`s tactical blueprint holds true, the bantamweight division might soon witness a challenger armed not just with skill, but with a strategic approach uniquely tailored to finally push `The Machine` to his absolute limits.
Connor Westbrook 
Marcus Bellamy