What Gear Does Merab Dvalishvili Use?

As Merab Dvalishvili prepares for his trilogy fight with Petr Yan in summer 2026, much of the real work happens in the gym through intense grappling, striking, and sparring sessions. His training gear includes Starpro Boxing Bandages for hand protection, multiple gloves for different sessions (Apex Training Gloves for bag and pads, M33 Sparring Gloves for live rounds, Vanquish Training Gloves for harder sessions, and Apex MMA Gloves for mixed MMA training), Apex Shin Guards for kick drills and sparring, and two headguards — the M33 for regular sparring and Nimbus for harder rounds.

2025 seemed to be Merab’s for the taking. And it was… until it wasn’t. 

With four attempts to snatch the UFC bantamweight belt, the title of champion is a highly coveted one. Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili claimed the bantamweight throne from Sean O’Malley in the last quarter of 2024, successfully defending it three times before losing the fourth to the former champ Petr Yan. But in summer this year, Merab will get a chance to reclaim the gold he lost in a trilogy fight against Yan.

Merab’s uprising has been built on his relentless pace and inhuman stamina. And now, only a couple of months out from their rematch, it’s day in and day out of long sessions of grappling, striking, and MMA sparring. That kind of training demands equipment that can keep up with “The Machine’s” intensity.

In this article, we walk you through the gear that gets Merab Dvalishvili through his high-intensity training sessions. 

Hand wraps: Starpro Boxing Bandages

The Starpro Boxing Bandages are Merab’s go-to for every training session. They’re traditional hand wraps, which allows him to easily customise the wrap according to his hand shape and typical punching habits. 

Reliable hand protection is non-negotiable, especially for high-volume fighters like Merab. The Boxing Bandages are stretchy enough to wrap snugly around your hand, but firm enough to offer some structure. They’re also designed for daily use so they retain their quality even through frequent washing and regular training.

Gloves

“The Machine” sets different objectives for each training session, and he rotates the boxing gloves he uses accordingly.

1. For bag and pad work: Apex Training Gloves

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Merab has built an empire on his wrestling, but he isn’t slouching on his stand-up game either. For sessions focused on building power and precision through bag and pad work, the Apex Training Gloves are a usual option. Apex gloves are built to handle high-volume impact during heavy bag workouts or pad work, which is great for better improving his already-infinite cardio. They are padded well enough to absorb shock and keep comfortable, and the wrist is reinforced for better support.

2. For sparring: M33 Sparring Gloves

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When it’s time for live rounds, Merab uses gloves designed specifically for sparring. This means reinforced wrist supports to keep the alignment, well-distributed padding, and softer cushioning to keep both the hands and the opponent relatively unhurt. The M33 Sparring Gloves tick these boxes, plus they’re breathable and made of vegan leather, which means they’re pretty resistant to wear.

3. For hard training days: Vanquish Training Gloves

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On the days where the objective is to thoroughly batter the target, Merab also likes to rotate into the Vanquish Training Gloves. This pair is one of Starpro Combat’s best-performing in terms of durability, hand protection, and ergonomics. It has injected foam padding that can absorb impact during more demanding striking sessions. It also features a carbon fiber weave and reinforced stitching to endure rigorous training.

4. For MMA rounds: Apex MMA Gloves

For MMA sessions combining striking, wrestling, and grappling, Merab likes to rotate into the Apex MMA gloves. “The Machine” has a relentless wrestling style that moves between punching entries, clinch pressure, and takedown chains. 

Open-finger MMA gloves pads the knuckles and supports the wrists for striking. At the same time, it leaves the fingers free for grabbing, gripping, and submissions. The ergonomic fit means they stay in place during scrambles, which is a high-priority requirement for Merab’s fighting style.

Apex Shin Guards

Starpro Combat’s Apex series is a clear favourite in Merab’s training arsenal. Aside from the Apex Training Gloves and the Apex MMA Gloves, he also uses the Apex Shin Guards. 

These strap-style shin guards are injected with a dense foam to absorb impact while staying lightweight for natural movement. When training includes leg kicks, body kicks, and kick checks, this shin protection becomes essential. The injected foam is also molded, shaped to follow the curve of the shin so they don’t shift during drills or sparring.

Head Guards

Merab uses different head guards depending on the sparring intensity and the level of protection and visibility he needs for the session.

For regular sparring: M33 Headguard

For most sparring rounds, the goal is simple. As long as you’re protected and comfortable enough to move freely, you’re good to go. For lighter, technical sessions, Merab often uses the M33 Headguard. It provides solid coverage across the forehead, cheeks, and chin while staying lightweight enough to keep vision clear and movement natural.

The adjustable straps keep the headguard secure during faster exchanges. For day-to-day sparring rounds in the gym, it’s a dependable piece of gear that offers protection without getting in the way of the work.

For hard sparring sessions: Nimbus Headguard

On the days where he pushes the pace in sparring, Merab rotates into the Nimbus Headguard for the added protection.

The Nimbus is built with multi-layer foam padding that helps absorb stronger impacts during harder exchanges. It also features raised cheek protection that gives extra coverage for the nose and face. Even with the added protection, the fit stays secure and comfortable, allowing fighters to move naturally while getting through tougher sparring rounds in camp.

FAQ

Why do MMA fighters still train with boxing gloves?

MMA requires you to also work on rhythm, precision, and power, and this often requires a high volume of strikes that MMA gloves aren’t equipped to protect you from. Boxing gloves allow fighters to throw more punches during drills, bag work, and sparring while minimising stress on your hands and wrists.

Why does Merab use different types of gloves?

Each training session may have different objectives. Depending on the day’s training plan, each session may put different demands on the hands. Using different gloves allows him to optimise his training for the day’s priority, whether it be power, precision, or conditioning.

Why does Merab use different types of headgear?

Different types of headgear offer different levels of protection, but also different levels of visibility. Generally, the more protected your head is, the more your vision and mobility can be limited. On days when the plan isn’t to go all out in sparring, it often makes more sense to use a lighter headguard that allows better movement and awareness in the gym.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the fight might happen in the cage, but most of it is won in the gym. For someone like Merab, whose style depends on pace and pressure, that means long sessions and a lot of rounds. The right gear just helps him get through those sessions safely and consistently as he prepares for another shot at the belt.