Merab Dvalishvili stepped in front of the UFC on Paramount+ cameras on July 5, 2026, to lay out his predictions for the UFC 329 main card slated for July 12 in Las Vegas. The former bantamweight champion named his favorites in four of the five headline fights, giving fans a glimpse of his fight‑night instincts.
Which fights did Dvalishvili pick?
In the flyweight showdown between Brandon Royval and Lone’er Kavanagh, Dvalishvili put his money on Royval, citing the Georgian’s striking accuracy and grappling flow. He then turned to the bantamweight bout, declaring Cory Sandhagen the clear victor over Mario Bautista, praising Sandhagen’s footwork and knockout power. For the co‑main event featuring Benoît Saint‑Denis versus Paddy Pimblett, the former champion chose the Frenchman, noting Saint‑Denis’s relentless pressure. When asked about the headline rematch, Dvalishvili stopped short of naming a definitive winner but admitted a soft spot for Conor McGregor, who he feels deserves a win after a long layoff.
Why do his picks matter?
Dvalishvili’s opinions carry weight because he’s known for an iron‑clad cardio system and a relentless pace that has frustrated opponents for years. Fans respect his analysis, especially when he breaks down fight styles in plain terms. By backing Royval, he highlights the importance of a versatile guard against Kavanagh’s unorthodox striking. His Sandhagen pick underscores the former champion’s belief that precision striking can outshine raw power, a lesson he’s lived by in his own career. The Saint‑Denis endorsement reflects Dvalishvili’s appreciation for fighters who can sustain high output without burning out.
How might his predictions influence the betting market?
When a current champion weighs in, sportsbooks often adjust odds within hours. After Dvalishvili’s video dropped, several betting platforms nudged Royval’s odds slightly lower, while Sandhagen’s line tightened. The Saint‑Denis market saw a modest shift toward the Frenchman, mirroring the Georgian’s confidence. Although he didn’t pick a winner for McGregor vs. Holloway, his expressed support for McGregor may sway casual bettors who respect his perspective, especially given the Irish star’s long hiatus.
What does this say about Dvalishvili’s future plans?
By appearing in a promotional video, Dvalishvili signals he’s still a marketable figure for the UFC, even while he remains inactive in the octagon. His willingness to discuss other fighters suggests he could be eyeing a future bout against a top‑ranked opponent, perhaps using these predictions as a subtle way to gauge fan reaction. The July 12 event will be a litmus test: if his picks prove accurate, his credibility as a fight analyst—and potential contender—will only grow.
When is UFC 329?
The event kicks off on July 12, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Fans can watch the full card live on UFC Fight Pass or catch the highlights on Paramount+ later that night. Dvalishvili’s predictions will be revisited once the results are in, adding another layer to the post‑fight discussion.