Merab Dvalishvili Aims to Make UFC History with KO Victory Over Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320

Merab Dvalishvili wants to do something no other UFC fighter has.

The UFC Bantamweight Championship is on the line for a third time this year at UFC 320 on Oct. 4 in Las Vegas.

After defending the title against Umar Nurmagomedov and Sean OMalley, champ Merab Dvalishvili returns in the co-main event against top contender Cory Sandhagen.

Dvalishvili is currently riding a 13-fight win streak and is well on his way to becoming the greatest bantamweight of all time, if he isnt already.

Known for his decision wins, cardio king Dvalishvili showed new strides to his game when he submitted OMalley his last time out at UFC 316 in June.

The Machine will look to keep the finishes coming as he delivers a bold prediction for his upcoming fight with Sandhagen.

Former interim title challenger Sandhagen has never been knocked out in his 23-fight career.

Dvalishvili wants to change that in October.

Looking for the KO next time, Dvalishvili teased on social media.

Dvalishvili posted new footage of him punching pads, working on his striking.

Were gonna knock out Cory Sandhagen, Dvalishvili said to the camera.

Sorry Cory, youre going to sleep, baby, Dvalishvili apologized to his upcoming opponent.

11 out of 13 of Dvalishvilis UFC wins have ended in decision. Dvalishvili hasnt won by knockout since a ground-and-pound TKO over Marlon Moraes in 2021.

As a fighter, Sandhagen is renowned for his striking skills and fight IQ. Sandhagen is considered among the best tacticians in not just the bantamweight division, but the entire UFC roster. The 33-year-old is extremely well-rounded and has a decent chin as well.

Sandhagen owns a winning record of 11-4 in the UFC.

The UFC veteran has won four out of his last five fights, with his latest loss coming to Umar Nurmagomedov via five-round decision.

The only other fights Sandhagen has lot in the UFC were against former champions TJ Dillashaw, Petr Yan, and Aljamain Sterling.

Sandhagen fought to close decisions against Dillashaw and Yan, but unfortunately, in 2020, he suffered his first and only submission loss at the hands of Sterling, whos Dvalishvilis longtime training partner.

Sterling was able to tap out Sandhagen with a rear-naked choke in less than 90 seconds of the opening round.

Besides this, Sandhagen has never been stopped in his career.