Merab Dvalishvili

Just days after losing his belt to Petr Yan at UFC 323, Merab Dvalishvili sat down with Megan Olivi to uncover how he came to be The Machine we know today. On this episode of Becoming a Fighter, Merab discusses his childhood in Georgia, his first foray in “the fight without rules,” and how he is able to move on so quickly after a loss. This is Becoming a Fighter with Megan Olivi.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lerone Murphy isn’t only unbeaten in 18 professional MMA fights, he’s also survived two close encounters with death. Still, “The Miracle” draws on these moments and considers himself blessed despite the streak of bad luck. Lerone sat with Megan Olivi to discuss being shot on his mom’s birthday, how his promising football career came to an abrupt end, and the only thing on Earth that scares him.This is Becoming a Fighter with Megan Olivi.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No one takes a shot like Daniel Cormier. The former two-division UFC Champion has faced loss after loss, both physically and emotionally, but he has never (and will never) quit. Every bit of adversity he has ever faced prepared him for his next challenge. But where did that all begin?This is Becoming a Fighter with Megan Olivi.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Terrance McKinney’s life is full of contradictions. An impressive UFC debut – followed by an injury celebrating it. A devastating experience that nearly cost him his life – which gave way to reinvention. But “T-Wrecks” is just getting started pursuing his vision, while navigating a family curse and the wild swings borne of his natural talent. This is Becoming A Fighter with Megan Olivi.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The question isn’t why Tatiana Suarez fights – the question is why she hasn’t stopped. Her career has been threatened by injury and rehabilitation, and her life was threatened by cancer. But the former Olympic wrestling hopeful recast her dreams and is now undefeated in her UFC career. How has Tatiana overcome so much adversity at such a young age – and what can we take from the lessons she’s had to learn the hard way?  This is Becoming A Fighter with Megan Olivi.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Although Islam Makhachev’s dominance in the UFC has led him to a title fight, he still cannot halt comparisons to his mentor: UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov. But Islam does not mind the comparisons. In fact, he is the first one to credit everyone from his teammates and coaches to his family and former employers for his success. Even with world-class help, what drove Islam to walk the long, hard path to UFC glory? And why did everyone around him see something special in him? Hear Islam Makhachev's story on this episode of Becoming A Fighter with Megan Olivi.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After winning the UFC Bantamweight title, Aljamain Sterling appeared to go from fan-favorite to villain overnight.  If you think he simply got lucky, then you don't know Aljamain Sterling. Aljo's path to the title included roadblocks set by his own family, intervention from an all-time great of the sport, and an uncanny ability to make the best of unfortunate circumstances. Hear Aljamain's story on latest episode of Becoming a Fighter with Megan Olivi.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brandon Moreno has been labeled an 'underdog' since he first entered the UFC. But that might be too simplistic of a label given what he's been through.How did the unmotivated son of piñata shop owners in Tijuana forge himself into a UFC champion, even after getting cut from the promotion? Grit, discipline, and dedication to a goal bigger than himself. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How did Rose Namajunas end up dedicating her skills and passions to fighting when it’s clear she could have done just about anything she wanted?  In many ways, fighting has always been in her blood. The UFC Strawweight champion overcame a tough childhood filled with violence. Rose leaned into mixed martial arts to cope with everything around her. Little did she know, her dedication to the sport would take her to the mountaintop.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From drug trafficking in the Canary Islands to learning how to survive in Rikers prison, Ian Heinisch’s journey to the Octagon is too crazy to make up -- but his unusual path led to him becoming one of the baddest Middleweights in the UFC. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.