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When it comes to world-class MMA talent, few gyms can claim the kind of legacy forged at Longo’s MMA in Garden City, Long Island . On January 18, 2025, that legacy grew even stronger. In the heart of Inglewood, California, the UFC 311 event became more than just another night in the Octagon—it became a defining moment for Merab Dvalishvili , the reigning bantamweight champion and proud representative of Longo’s MMA. His thrilling performance against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov not only secured his place in UFC history but also shined a national spotlight on the hard work, grit, and excellence cultivated right here in Garden City, NY . Whether you're a passionate fight fan, a Garden City local looking to train like a champion, or someone curious about what sets Longo’s MMA apart, this blog will take you through everything you need to know about UFC 311, Merab’s historic performance, and what it means for the future of MMA in Long Island. Merab Dvalishvili: Long Island's Relentless Champion Before diving into the card, let’s talk about the man of the hour: Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili . Trained under the watchful eye of UFC legend Ray Longo, Merab has built a reputation as one of the most relentless grapplers in the UFC. Known for his seemingly bottomless cardio tank, takedown-heavy style, and never-back-down mentality, Merab entered UFC 311 as the defending bantamweight champion with a chip on his shoulder and history in his sights. Going up against Umar Nurmagomedov , a member of the famed Dagestani fighting lineage and cousin to Khabib Nurmagomedov, was no small task. Umar was undefeated, dangerous, and widely regarded as the future of the division. But Merab had other plans. The Co-Main Event: Merab vs. Umar – Relentless Pressure Meets Perfect Execution From the opening bell, Merab showcased exactly why he's called “The Machine.” Instead of being deterred by Umar’s early striking success, Merab doubled down on pressure, pushing the pace, chaining takedown attempts, and never giving Umar a moment to breathe. It was the type of performance that defines championship grit. Over five intense rounds, Merab outworked his opponent, landing crucial takedowns, controlling positions, and dictating the rhythm of the fight. The judges saw it the same way, awarding Merab a unanimous decision (48–47, 48–47, 49–46). But the victory was more than just a win—it was a record-breaker. With this fight, Merab officially surpassed Georges St-Pierre’s all-time takedown record , setting a new benchmark for future generations. A fighter from Long Island , trained in Garden City, just made history on MMA’s biggest stage. What This Win Means for Longo’s MMA and Garden City For residents of Garden City and the greater Long Island community , this was more than just a fight—it was a hometown hero making the world take notice. Longo’s MMA has long been a proving ground for elite fighters. From Chris Weidman’s legendary knockout of Anderson Silva to Aljamain Sterling’s rise as bantamweight champ, the gym is no stranger to the spotlight. Now, Merab’s performance at UFC 311 further cements Longo’s MMA as one of the most respected and results-driven MMA academies in the country. And if you’re someone in Garden City, NY , interested in training MMA, fitness, or self-defense, this is your sign. You don’t have to travel far to learn from the best. You can train where champions are made—right here in your backyard. UFC 311 Full Card Recap – A Night of High-Stakes Action While Merab’s win was the highlight, UFC 311 delivered excitement from top to bottom. Here’s a quick breakdown of the major fights: Main Event: Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano – Lightweight Title Fight Originally scheduled to be a rematch between Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan, the fight took a twist when Tsarukyan withdrew, and Renato Moicano stepped in on just one day's notice. While Moicano’s courage deserves respect, the fight showcased why Islam Makhachev is considered one of the most dominant fighters in the sport. With clinical precision, Makhachev locked in a D’Arce choke submission late in the first round, defending his lightweight title for the fourth time. That submission also gave him the most title defenses in UFC lightweight history. Jiří Procházka vs. Jamahal Hill – Light Heavyweight Clash In what was arguably the most explosive performance of the night, Jiří Procházka stopped Jamahal Hill in the third round with a flurry of elbows and hammerfists. His unorthodox style, durability, and finishing instinct reminded fans why he’s one of the most dangerous men in the division. Jailton Almeida vs. Serghei Spivac – Heavyweight Showcase Jailton Almeida continued to climb the heavyweight ranks with a devastating first-round TKO over Spivac. With each fight, Almeida looks more like a future title contender, combining speed, strength, and submission prowess. Reinier de Ridder vs. Kevin Holland – UFC Debut to Remember Making his UFC debut after a successful run in ONE Championship, Reinier de Ridder impressed fans by submitting the always-game Kevin Holland with a rear-naked choke in the first round. This performance instantly put him on the middleweight radar. Why Merab’s Victory Resonates Beyond the Octagon What makes Merab’s win so meaningful , especially for those in Long Island , is how it encapsulates the spirit of Longo’s MMA: Hard Work Over Hype : Merab has never been the loudest voice in the room, but his work ethic speaks volumes. Just like the dedicated students at Longo’s MMA, he proves that consistency and hustle beat hype every time. Team Above Self : From Ray Longo to Aljamain Sterling, Merab has always emphasized team loyalty. His victory was a win for everyone who’s ever stepped into the gym in Garden City. The Blueprint for Success : For aspiring fighters or fitness enthusiasts in Garden City , Merab’s story is the blueprint. Show up, put in the work, and trust the process. The results speak for themselves. Train Like a Champion at Longo’s MMA in Garden City If watching UFC 311 has inspired you, now is the perfect time to take action. Whether you’re dreaming of stepping into the cage, looking to improve your fitness, or simply want to learn self-defense in a welcoming environment, Longo’s MMA offers programs for beginners to professionals . With world-class instruction, a proven track record, and a supportive community, there’s no better place to start your journey. And who knows? The next Merab might just be walking through our doors right now.
UFC 306: Merab Dvalishvili Overpowers Sean O'Malley to Capture the Bantamweight Title at The Sphere On September 14, 2024, UFC 306 delivered a highly anticipated showdown between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili for the UFC Bantamweight Championship at the cutting-edge Sphere in Las Vegas. In what turned out to be a grueling five-round battle, Merab Dvalishvili’s relentless wrestling and pace overwhelmed O'Malley, securing him a unanimous decision victory and the UFC Bantamweight Championship. The Build-Up: O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili Sean O'Malley, who won the bantamweight title by TKO against Aljamain Sterling, was riding high as the new king of the division. Known for his flashy striking, creative footwork, and knockout power, O'Malley was looking to solidify his reign by taking on one of the most feared contenders in the bantamweight division—Merab Dvalishvili. Merab, representing the Serra-Longo Fight Team, had earned a reputation for his relentless cardio, wrestling dominance, and pressure-heavy style. With a string of impressive wins and the hunger for gold, "The Machine" was poised to bring his trademark high pace into the Octagon and wear down O'Malley over the course of five rounds. The Fight: A Relentless Assault From the opening bell, Merab Dvalishvili set the tone with his relentless forward pressure and constant takedown attempts, making it difficult for O'Malley to find his range and establish his striking rhythm. Despite O'Malley’s impressive footwork and striking skills, Merab's game plan centered around grappling and control, and it worked to perfection. Throughout the fight, Dvalishvili secured multiple takedowns and maintained top control, effectively neutralizing O'Malley's offense. O'Malley landed a few clean strikes but was unable to fend off Merab’s constant barrage of wrestling and clinch work. The relentless pace set by Merab, along with his grappling acumen, wore down the champion, allowing him to control most of the exchanges. The Decision: Merab Becomes Champion After five rounds of dominance, the judges awarded Merab Dvalishvili the win by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47), crowning him the new UFC Bantamweight Champion. His victory was a testament to his conditioning, relentless work ethic, and the strategic brilliance of the Serra-Longo Fight Team. Merab’s performance at UFC 306 marks a significant moment in his career and a major victory for the Serra-Longo team, which continues to produce elite-level champions. The Sphere, with its innovative and immersive setting, provided the perfect backdrop for this historic bout. What’s Next for the Bantamweight Division? With Merab Dvalishvili now holding the bantamweight belt, the division is wide open for new matchups. O'Malley remains one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC, and a potential rematch could be on the horizon. For now, Dvalishvili stands atop the division, ready to defend his title and cement his legacy as one of the best bantamweights in the world. Join Our Team: If reading about the victories of the Serra-Longo Fight Team has inspired you, why not experience it for yourself? Whether you're a beginner or an experienced martial artist, Ray Longo's MMA Academy offers top-tier training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, Boxing, Youth Marital Arts and more . Join a community dedicated to excellence, resilience, and growth under the guidance of world-class coaches. Take the first step towards reaching your own potential—sign up for a free trial class today and train like a champion!
