Combat & UFC

Merab Dvalishvili Says Sport Saved Him From Becoming a Gangster in Georgia

Name: Merab Dvalishvili Says Sport Saved Him From Becoming a Gangster in Georgia
Uploaded: 2026-06-18T19:22:00+00:00
Description: UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili opened up about his difficult upbringing in Georgia, revealing he was headed toward a life of crime before discovering combat sports. Growing up in poverty and street fighting, Dvalishvili credits MMA with changing his trajectory from potential gangster to world champion, eventually moving to the United States at age 21.

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Impaulsive with Logan Paul

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"I grew up in street fighting, and then the sport saved me, you know. I was thinking to become gangster, but thank God I choose the sport."

UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili opened up about his difficult upbringing in Georgia, revealing he was headed toward a life of crime before discovering combat sports. Growing up in poverty and street fighting, Dvalishvili credits MMA with changing his trajectory from potential gangster to world champion, eventually moving to the United States at age 21.

About this episode

Logan Paul and Mike Majlak hosted a live episode of Impaulsive from the National Mall in Washington D.C. during UFC Freedom 250, a historic UFC event staged at the White House. The podcast featured two main guests: Nina Drama, a rising combat sports commentator and former Playboy Playmate, and Merab Dvalishvili, the UFC bantamweight champion from Georgia. The conversation unfolded in front of approximately 5,000 to 6,000 predominantly male UFC fans in what became a raucous, interactive episode. Drama discussed her transition from modeling to MMA media, addressed the viral awkward moment with Tom Aspinall who asked her explicit sexual questions during an interview, and accepted an on-air apology from Steiny for past beef. Dvalishvili shared his journey from street fighting and near-gangster life in Georgia to UFC champion, revealed Sean O'Malley hits extremely hard despite beating him twice, and predicted O'Malley would win by decision in his upcoming fight. Throughout the episode, Sean Strickland attempted to sneak into the event, eventually succeeding but unable to join the podcast stage. The hosts repeatedly emphasized the historic nature of UFC hosting an event at the White House on America's 250th anniversary, with Paul noting this represented Dana White and the UFC proving doubters wrong once again. The episode featured significant crowd interaction, including bringing an enthusiastic fan named Tay onstage who had just gotten engaged and bought his first house, embodying what Paul called the American Dream.

Key takeaways

Nina Drama recounted Tom Aspinall asking her if she'd been with an MMA fighter during what she expected to be a professional interview, creating a viral awkward moment.
Merab Dvalishvili revealed Sean O'Malley hits extremely hard and he had to specifically adjust his strategy to avoid his power despite beating him twice.
Dvalishvili predicted Sean O'Malley would defeat his opponent by decision at UFC 250, showing respect for his former rival.
Dvalishvili disclosed he grew up street fighting in Georgia and was headed toward becoming a gangster before combat sports saved him.
Sean Strickland successfully snuck into the historic UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House after attempting to coordinate entry during the live podcast.
Nina Drama accepted an on-air apology from Steiny for past social media beef, with Steiny acknowledging she faces unfair treatment as practically the only woman in UFC media.
The episode was recorded live in front of thousands at the National Mall with the White House visible, marking UFC's most historic event location to date.