Merab Dvalishvili recently revealed that he completely avoids traditional strength and conditioning work – because he believes it drains his energy instead of improving it.
Here is what he had to say in an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show:
I don’t do strength and conditioning because it makes me tired.
Most of the time I try to get better in striking, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling, and I like more live rounds…
I do my own (training).
Like when I have time, sometimes I train morning – like morning practice every day – but as a second training I leave it optional.
Depends how I feel.
Dvalishvili also keeps his cardio work flexible.
Running, for example, is something he does only when travel or injuries prevent him from training normally:
I run when I travel, only when I don’t have training partners or a punching bag.
That’s when I run.
Despite his unorthodox approach, Dvalishvili’s conditioning remains unmatched.
He even revealed that he sparred five full rounds on the morning of his title fight against Cory Sandhagen – something almost unheard of for a professional fighter.
His confidence in his endurance is so high that he believes he could complete a marathon without specific preparation:
Oh yeah, I can. I can. Because I’m in good shape and I run very often.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
