UFC Champion Merab Gets Schooled by Andrew Tackett in UFC BJJ Vlog (Reality Check Alert)
Man, I love it when reality comes knocking on the door of elite athletes. UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili just got a humbling lesson in the difference between MMA grappling and pure submission wrestling, courtesy of Andrew Tackett in Episode 3 of UFC’s BJJ vlog series.
Here’s what went down: The UFC’s latest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu video blog series delivered exactly the kind of content that showcases why pure grapplers deserve serious respect. Merab, known for his relentless wrestling and cardio in the octagon, stepped onto the mats with accomplished grappler Andrew Tackett and got thoroughly dominated.
Why this matters: This isn’t just entertaining content – it’s a masterclass in understanding the difference between disciplines. I’ve been around both MMA fighters and pure grapplers for 25 years, and what happened to Merab is exactly what I’d expect when someone transitions from cage wrestling to submission-only rules.
The technical breakdown: Andrew Tackett systematically worked through Dvalishvili’s defenses with the kind of precision that makes pure BJJ specialists so dangerous. For MMA fans accustomed to seeing Merab dominate opponents with his wrestling, watching him get controlled and submitted provides fascinating insight into how different these skill sets really are.
What impressed me most: Merab’s willingness to put himself in that vulnerable position on camera. Most UFC fighters wouldn’t risk showing themselves getting dominated in any grappling scenario, but his openness to learn demonstrates exactly the mindset that made him champion in the first place.
The bigger UFC BJJ picture: This vlog series has quickly become must-watch content, and for good reason. Episode 1 featured the powerhouse duo of Renato and Raquel Canuto training at Hybrid Jiu Jitsu in Las Vegas, alongside Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani (LFA/DWCS veteran). The ongoing “UFC BJJ: Road to the Title” episodes have already accumulated over 1.4 million views, proving there’s massive appetite for this crossover content.
Claudia Gadelha’s vision coming to life: The former UFC fighter turned Senior Director of Jiu-Jitsu Strategy & Business Development has been pushing the idea that UFC BJJ can bridge the gap between MMA and pure grappling. Episodes like this Merab vs Tackett session prove her point perfectly.
What this represents: Andrew Tackett’s systematic breakdown of Dvalishvili’s game showcases why pure grappling specialists deserve respect. While MMA fighters train multiple disciplines, grapplers like Tackett spend their entire careers perfecting the submission arts that MMA fighters only touch on between striking, wrestling, and cardio training.
The timing couldn’t be better: With UFC BJJ 2 happening this Thursday (July 31st) featuring the Canuto couple and other elite grapplers, the momentum from these vlog episodes is building perfectly. The series is proving that there’s massive audience appetite for this crossover content.
My honest take: This episode represents more than just behind-the-scenes content – it’s establishing a new category of combat sports entertainment. When you have UFC champions like Merab willing to get dominated by pure grapplers like Andrew Tackett on camera, it creates compelling narratives that serve both communities.
Bottom line: Episode 3 is available now on the UFC’s official YouTube channel, and it’s essential viewing for anyone interested in the intersection of MMA and pure grappling arts. Sometimes the best education comes from watching champions get humbled.
