Laura Sanko: Dvalishvili Deserves Fighter of the Year
Alright, fight fans, let's break this down like we're debating the GOAT over some cold ones. Laura Sanko, one of the sharpest voices in the UFC commentary booth, just threw her hat firmly into the ring, and she's backing Merab Dvalishvili for Fighter of the Year.And honestly? She's got a point that's harder to argue against than a Dvalishvili takedown. Sure, she acknowledged that the epic clash between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev makes the conversation spicy—that's a legit main-event caliber argument right there.But Sanko’s main thesis is what really sticks the landing: she’s all in on ‘The Machine. ’ Her reasoning isn't just about the wins; it's about the relentless, almost unnatural evolution of a champion.She pointed out that being that active while wearing a target on your back is impressive enough on its own, but the fact that Merab isn't just maintaining—he's visibly leveling up, fight after fight, adding new weapons to his arsenal and turning into a finisher? That’s the kind of career arc you usually only see in video games. It’s unreal, and it’s exactly why Sanko is crowning him.This isn't just some hot take; it’s a deep cut for the real MMA heads who watch beyond the highlight-reel knockouts. It’s about the grind, the cardio that seems to defy human biology, and the strategic mind that’s slowly but surely solving the puzzle of the bantamweight division.Think about the context here. This proclamation comes fresh off the heels of UFC 320, where Dvalishvili went five full rounds with the human puzzle box that is Cory Sandhagen and walked away with a unanimous decision win.That’s not just another notch on the belt; that’s a statement victory over a guy known for making elite fighters look ordinary. Sandhagen is crafty, unpredictable, and dangerous from every angle, yet Merab implemented his suffocating game plan with the precision of a surgeon and the engine of a freight train.He didn't just win; he dominated the narrative of the fight, proving that his pressure-heavy, wrestling-centric style can neutralize even the most creative and technical strikers in the world. But to truly get why Sanko’s endorsement carries so much weight, you have to look at the entire body of work in 2024.This isn't a one-hit wonder. Dvalishvili has been on a tear, a run that echoes the legendary streaks of dominance we’ve seen from figures like Georges St-Pierre or Demetrious Johnson—fighters who combined otherworldly physical gifts with an insatiable hunger to improve.What makes Merab’s case so compelling for the ‘Fighter of the Year’ honor is the combination of frequency, difficulty, and evolution. He’s not fighting once or twice a year; he’s staying busy, embracing the ‘anyone, anytime’ mentality that fans claim to love but rarely see from fighters perched at the top of the rankings.Each performance seems to answer a previous criticism. If people said he was a decision machine, he started hunting for finishes.If they questioned his power, he’s shown improved striking that commands respect. This continuous growth is the hallmark of a true great, and it’s what separates a good year from a historic one.Sanko, with her front-row seat to the action, is recognizing that intangible ‘it’ factor. She’s not just looking at a record; she’s analyzing the artistry and the athletic science behind it.It’s the difference between being a fan and being an analyst who can articulate why a fighter’s journey resonates on a deeper level. So when Laura Sanko says Merab Dvalishvili deserves Fighter of the Year, it’s more than just an opinion—it’s a well-reasoned, expertly supported argument from inside the Octagon. And in a year filled with incredible performances, that’s a take worth listening to.
It’s quiet here...Start the conversation by leaving the first comment.
© 2025 Outpoll Service LTD. All rights reserved.