Merab Dvalishvili lifted Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo and carried him across the Octagon to confront Mark Zuckerberg in the middle of their fight.

Merab Dvalishvili, known to many as “The Machine,” has forged an extraordinary path in the UFC bantamweight division, transforming himself from an underdog wrestler into one of the most feared champions in mixed martial arts history. 

His journey has been marked by grit, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to his craft, culminating in a series of unforgettable moments—none more bizarre and memorable than the night he carried Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo across the Octagon to Mark Zuckerberg’s corner during their epic bout.

As the bantamweight champion, Dvalishvili has redefined what it means to dominate in the cage. His wrestling-heavy style, relentless pressure, and unmatched cardio have earned him both acclaim and criticism, but few can dispute his effectiveness and results.

On June 7, 2025, the Georgian fighter is set to defend his title for the second time at UFC 316, where he will face Sean O’Malley in a highly anticipated rematch that promises fireworks inside the cage.

Early Career and Path to the Title

Merab Dvalishvili’s background is rooted deeply in wrestling, a discipline he mastered long before stepping into the Octagon. Growing up in Georgia, a country renowned for producing elite wrestlers, he cultivated a fighting style characterized by unyielding pressure and technical proficiency.

Dvalishvili’s UFC debut was a testament to his toughness and grappling dominance. Though his style was often viewed as less flashy compared to knockout artists or submission specialists, it was brutally effective.

He quickly gained a reputation for wearing down opponents and smothering their offense with non-stop wrestling.

His rise through the bantamweight ranks was methodical and relentless. Over several years, he amassed an impressive winning streak, grinding down contenders and veterans alike. Each victory cemented his position as a title contender, setting the stage for one of the most thrilling matches in UFC bantamweight history.

UFC 298: The Defining Victory Over Henry Cejudo

The defining moment of Dvalishvili’s career came at UFC 298, where he faced Henry Cejudo—a former double champion and Olympic gold medalist wrestler. Cejudo’s credentials were impeccable; few fighters could match his combination of speed, technique, and championship experience.

The matchup was widely anticipated as a clash of titans, pitting two wrestling phenoms against each other. Early in the fight, Cejudo landed a significant strike that visibly stunned Dvalishvili, sending shockwaves through fans watching worldwide. For a brief moment, it seemed like “The Machine” might be in trouble.

However, Dvalishvili’s signature resilience came into full display. He quickly recovered, reasserted control, and imposed his wrestling dominance on Cejudo. As the fight progressed, it became increasingly clear who the superior athlete was.

What made UFC 298 unforgettable wasn’t just Dvalishvili’s dominant performance, but the surreal moment in round three when he lifted Cejudo off the canvas and carried him across the Octagon—to none other than Mark Zuckerberg’s corner.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Presence and the Viral Moment

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta and a figure better known for his influence in Silicon Valley than combat sports, was in attendance at UFC 298. Notably, he was in Alexander Volkanovski’s corner for his title fight, illustrating the growing intersection of tech moguls and the UFC.

The sight of Zuckerberg ringside at a UFC event symbolizes the sport’s rising mainstream appeal and cultural relevance. However, the moment Dvalishvili carried Cejudo to Zuckerberg was something no one anticipated.

As Dvalishvili hoisted his opponent and moved him across the Octagon, cameras caught Zuckerberg’s reaction. Some say he was amused, others believe he was surprised—either way, the moment quickly went viral, sparking endless discussion among fans and commentators.

This bizarre mid-fight interaction symbolized a blending of worlds: the gritty, brutal reality of MMA and the high-tech, celebrity-driven culture that Zuckerberg embodies. For many, it became an iconic highlight of the fight and a snapshot of UFC’s expanding global footprint.

Fan Reactions and Divided Opinions

Merab Dvalishvili’s wrestling-heavy style has always been a point of debate among UFC fans. Some admire his relentless pace, discipline, and technique, praising him as one of the most effective champions in recent memory.

Others criticize his approach as less entertaining, preferring fighters who pursue knockouts or flashy submissions. Despite the division, few can deny Dvalishvili’s success and ability to consistently defeat top contenders.

His victory over Cejudo earned him respect even from his critics, showcasing that wrestling dominance can still win at the highest level in modern MMA.

The viral Zuckerberg moment only amplified Dvalishvili’s notoriety, making him not just a champion in the cage, but a figure in pop culture conversations about the sport.

Injury Concerns and Training Camp

Ahead of UFC 316, Dvalishvili faced concerns from fans when he shared images of a broken toe sustained during his fight camp. The injury raised questions about his ability to defend the title against a dangerous challenger like Sean O’Malley.

Fortunately, experts and his team have downplayed the severity, assuring fans that the injury won’t prevent him from competing at his best. Dvalishvili’s commitment to training and eagerness to defend his championship remain unwavering.

UFC 316: The Anticipated Rematch With Sean O’Malley

Sean O’Malley, known as ‘Suga,’ is one of the most dynamic and charismatic fighters in the UFC bantamweight division. His flashy striking and unorthodox style have earned him a massive fanbase.

O’Malley’s first fight with Dvalishvili ended in disappointment for the flashy striker, who was outwrestled and outperformed. Now, at UFC 316, he is determined to rewrite the narrative and reclaim the bantamweight title.

To gain a competitive edge, O’Malley has enlisted the legendary Demetrious Johnson, widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, to assist with his training camp.

Johnson’s unparalleled fight IQ and clinch mastery make him an ideal coach to prepare O’Malley for the grappling-heavy challenge Dvalishvili presents.

The Clash of Styles

The upcoming UFC 316 title fight will feature a classic clash of styles. Dvalishvili’s relentless wrestling and pressure-based fighting will test O’Malley’s striking and evasive skills.

O’Malley’s ability to keep the fight standing and avoid takedowns will be crucial, while Dvalishvili aims to control the pace and ground game.

This stylistic battle promises an exciting contest, with both fighters bringing unique strengths to the cage.

The Broader Impact of Zuckerberg’s UFC Involvement

Mark Zuckerberg’s growing presence in the UFC arena is more than just celebrity attendance. It reflects the sport’s increasing appeal to a diverse and influential audience, including Silicon Valley’s elite.

Zuckerberg’s interest in UFC signifies a crossover between technology, entertainment, and sports, potentially opening new sponsorships, broadcasting innovations, and fan engagement strategies.

His cornering of fighters like Alexander Volkanovski highlights a willingness to immerse himself in the sport’s culture.

What’s Next for Merab Dvalishvili

Dvalishvili’s journey from Georgian wrestler to UFC champion is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.

As he prepares to defend his title again, the eyes of the MMA world will be watching closely.

His unique fighting style, combined with memorable moments like the one involving Zuckerberg, have established him as a defining figure in the bantamweight division.

UFC 316 is shaping up to be a landmark event in the bantamweight division’s history.

Merab Dvalishvili’s dominance, his unforgettable interaction with Mark Zuckerberg, and Sean O’Malley’s quest for redemption create a compelling narrative.

Fans can expect an intense battle filled with strategy, heart, and the raw emotion that only UFC can deliver.

Whether Dvalishvili maintains his grip on the title or O’Malley reclaims it, the event promises to be a defining moment in MMA.