Merab Dvalishvili Granted $375,000 USD – Intends To Invest Into Growth Of Georgia’s Grappling Scene
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has awarded a generous monetary prize to the country’s two UFC champions, Merab Dvalishvili and Ilia Topuria, in recognition of their remarkable achievements.
Each fighter will receive one million Georgian Lari – approximately $375,000 USD – as a tribute to their success in the UFC.Dvalishvili, who recently captured the bantamweight title at UFC 306 in Las Vegas, plans to use his prize to promote grappling and MMA in Georgia.
“The Machine” expressed his intention to invest in the development of young athletes and the growth of combat sports in his home country.
According to Georgian journalist Giorgi Kokiashvili:
Merab Dvalishvili said that he will give this money to charities and develop the MMA Teams and BJJ/Judo/Wrestling clubs in order to raise more UFC Champions in Georgia.
Dvalishvili’s rise to the top was marked by perseverance.After losing his first two UFC fights, his future in the organization seemed uncertain.
However, he went on an impressive ten-fight winning streak, culminating in his title victory over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
