The current Gallo weight champion, Merab Dvalishvili, was recently seen in a video apologizing to the number 4 contender of the rankingCorey “The Sandman” Sandhagen, saying:
«I'm going to knock Corey Sandhagen. Sorry, Corey, you're going to sleep«, Before showing his hands while hitting gloves.
Merab Dvalishvili originally came from the Serra-Longo camp based in Long Island, New York, a team known for producing grapplers with an exceptional blow. More recently, the former champion Aljamain Sterling won a victory in five assaults in the Co-Creek event over Brian “T-City” Ortega In UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang in Shanghai, China, a fight that focused mainly on blows.
Another former champion of the same side, the fighter Chris Weidman, won the famous medium weight title by knocking Anderson Silvawidely considered one of the most skilled strokes in the history of the UFC.
Since he moved to Las Vegas, Merab has changed training partner and now has daily access to the UFC Performance Institutea decision that has improved its general performance. Is it likely to end by KO? Let's analyze the figures.
► Merab «La Máquina» Dvalishvili
Total victories: 20
Victories by knockout: 3
Cuts Rate: 15%
Merab is known for its relentless struggle and intense cardio rhythm. Although he is not usually considered an artist from the knockout, he has 3 victories per knockout or technical knockout in his 20 professional victories, which gives him a 15%knockout rate. Only one of these victories by knockout occurred within the octagon of the UFC. Their approach overwhelms opponents through pressure, but the enders for blows are relatively rare.
► Cory Sandhagen (“The Arena Man”)
Total victories: 18
Victorias by knockout: 8
Cuts rate: 44.4%
Sandhagen is a creative and dangerous hitter with an integral attack. With 8 knockouts in 18 victories, it holds a KO rate of 44.4%. Six of these victories were inside the octagon of the UFC. His unconventional movement and his precise blow have allowed him to achieve spectacular endings and a constant standing danger. While Corey prepares for his first attempt at the undisputed gold of the UFC, many fans and experts are eager to see What strategy will implement against such a relentless and dangerous champion.
