The UFC never runs short on those rags-to-riches stories. Well, Conor McGregor is the usual example, going from a plumber living off Irish welfare checks to the highest-paid fighter the sport has ever seen. Merab Dvalishvili ’s name also belongs on that list. Until 2020, ‘The Machine’ worked in construction just to keep his championship dream alive. Now, as he is sitting on millions, he admits money was never what pushed him. For him, it always came down to legacy.

Currently, the reigning bantamweight champion sits at roughly a $2 million net worth. And with a full career still ahead, the Georgian star will easily blow past that number. But as Merab chases greatness by trying to become the first UFC fighter to defend a title four times in a year at UFC 323 against Petr Yan , and g

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