When a fighter climbs from construction sites in New York to the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, the numbers in their bank account tell a story of grit as much as success. That’s exactly what makes Merab Dvalishvili’s rise so compelling. With little support or sponsorship to fuel his athletic ambitions, he faced countless hardships. Today, as a UFC world champion, Merab has overcome the struggles of his early career. Not only is he finally receiving the recognition he deserves, but his hard work is also paying off financially.

In 2025, he isn’t just the first Georgian-born champion in UFC history, he is on a path that could make him the first fighter to defend a world title four times in one calendar year if he beats Petr Yan again at UFC 323. With that kind of momentum, fans naturally began asking a simple but fascinating question: how much is “The Machine” actually worth now?

Merab Dvalishvili’s net worth and endorsements as of 2025

As of mid-2025, Merab Dvalishvili’s net worth is estimated at around $2 million, according to multiple online reports. While this number is modest compared to megastars like Conor McGregor, it reflects an incredible leap from the days when ‘The Machine’ could barely afford gym fees. Today, the bulk of his income comes from fight purses, bonuses, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.

He’s partnered with notable brands like Star Pro Combat, Nabeglavi, Syndicate MMA, Panini America, AMC Hyundai-Las Vegas, and more, leveraging his growing popularity through his social media platforms. While details about his current home remain scarce, he has shared glimpses of his roots, including a heartfelt look at his childhood home in Tbilisi, Georgia, during a video with his father.

This remarkable journey didn’t come without sacrifice. Merab has openly reflected on the struggles of his childhood and the challenges of making ends meet in his early days. He frequently expresses gratitude to his parents, especially his hardworking mother, crediting her as a key figure in his success story.

A native of the Republic of Georgia, born on January 10, 1991, Merab Dvalishvili’s journey to the top is a testament to perseverance. At the age of 21, he emigrated to the United States, settling in New York to pursue his dream of becoming a professional fighter. However, his early days were far from glamorous. To make ends meet, Merab worked as a construction laborer while training tirelessly to improve his craft.

“Every day I was asking myself questions, especially when I was at work and working in the sun or the snow,” Dvalishvili declared. “But when I was going home and I was still going to practice, I was still working hard,” he narrated to Montana Sports. Adjusting to life in a new country, with its unfamiliar culture and language, added to the challenges for the young fighter. Despite joining the UFC in 2017, his initial run in the promotion wasn’t smooth, suffering losses in his first two fights. At one point, he even questioned whether he should continue. But he would not be a champion today if he had given up.

A few years ago, ‘The Machine’ uploaded a video with his father. The video begins with the two playfully sparring in front of his home in Sulori, Georgia. Surrounded by natural cucumber plants and rose bushes, the home reflects the labor and love of his hardworking family. The video also provided a glimpse into Merab’s family life.

The small farm and house were built by him and his family members, creating a wholesome and grounded environment. Inside, he showcased a 100-year-old wardrobe still in use and proudly displayed his brother’s army uniforms, marveling at his brother’s role as a military pilot. Everyone in his family embodies dedication and hard work, especially since, in free Georgia, they had to rebuild their lives from scratch.

From schoolyard scuffles to standing as a protector of his family, Merab Dvalishvili knows the meaning of struggle. His love for martial arts was evident early on, fueled by a dream of becoming an Olympic champion. At just 13 years old, he set his sights on greatness, and now, two decades later, at 34, he holds a championship in the most competitive sport in the world and his fight purses tell an even more powerful story of his financial climb.

How much does Merab Dvalishvili earn? UFC payouts & salary

To understand Merab Dvalishvili’s financial growth, we need to trace his UFC earnings from early prelim checks to million-dollar main events. According to MMASalaries.com, which compiles estimates from publicly available figures (not official UFC reports), Dvalishvili’s fight purses over the last few years show a dramatic shift.

His biggest payday came at UFC 306, where he defeated Sean O’Malley. The Georgian champion earned a base salary of $750,000, matched by a $750,000 win bonus, and with an estimated $1.1 million in PPV revenue plus sponsorship money, his total payout reached over $2.6 million for one night. Not bad for someone who once questioned if he should quit the sport entirely!

Before that, his earnings were more modest, typical for fighters still climbing the ladder. His fight against Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 earned him a combined $210,000, while the victory over Petr Yan in 2023 brought in around $200,000. Going further back, his win over José Aldo paid just around $198,000, and the Marlon Moraes fight at UFC 266 earned him around $130,000.

Even though the numbers vary dramatically, they show one thing clearly: Merab Dvalishvili’s rise wasn’t instant. It was a steady climb fueled by persistence. It took years of grinding before he broke the million-dollar threshold. From a childhood shaped by poverty in post-Soviet Georgia to days spent hauling cement in New York, “The Machine” powered through moments when most would have quit. Now he stands not only as a UFC champion, but as one of the sport’s most inspiring success stories!