Overview

• Merab Dvalishvili is set to defend the bantamweight title against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320 on Oct. 4 in Las Vegas as the co-main event.
• Dvalishvili says he is looking for a knockout, expects the bout to play out largely on the feet, and has centered this camp on striking.
• Coach John Wood backs the evolution toward finishing, noting a renewed emphasis in training and suggesting there is a real chance for a KO while cautioning that elite fights are hard to end.
• The champion praises Sandhagen as a dangerous, well-rounded contender with submissions, knockout power, strong cardio, takedown defense, and sharp footwork.
• The Sandhagen fight marks Dvalishvili’s third title defense of the year, extending a dominant run highlighted by division-leading metrics in control time, takedowns, total strikes, and decision wins.