Bantamweight GOAT Teaches Rare Submission to Women’s UFC Star
North-South Choke Demonstration Highlights Cross-Division Respect
A recent training clip shared on X features UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili demonstrating a north-south choke to UFC Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili, offering a rare glimpse into technique-sharing between two reigning titleholders.
The choke, which Dvalishvili used to submit Sean O’Malley at UFC 316 on June 7, 2025, is a seldom-seen but highly effective submission in mixed martial arts.
The interaction reflects a growing culture of collaboration among top-level UFC athletes, where even champions continue to learn from each other across divisions.
Read more: Ilia Topuria made this promise to UFC
North-South Choke: Rare, Technical, Effective
The north-south choke requires precise positioning and control.
The attacker positions themselves perpendicular to the opponent’s body and applies pressure across the neck and chest.
It is considered a low-risk, high-reward submission, especially for wrestlers with strong positional control.
Dvalishvili’s use of the choke to defeat O’Malley surprised many, not just for the technique itself, but for the composure and control shown during the sequence.
It marked his 13th consecutive win and his first UFC title defense.
Read more: Sean O’Malley reacts to Topuria’s knockout at 317
Learning Across Divisions
The training session with Zhang Weili underscores a shift in UFC culture.
Champions are no longer isolated within their weight classes.
Instead, they are increasingly engaging with peers from other divisions to expand their technical skills.
Zhang, a two-time strawweight champion, has continuously worked on improving her ground game.
Learning directly from Dvalishvili arguably one of the UFC’s most relentless grapplers further signals her commitment to evolving as a complete fighter.
Read more: Ilia Topuria is No. 1 pound-for-pound
Broader Implications
The moment highlights a broader trend within MMA: technique is no longer protected like a secret weapon.
Fighters at the highest level are now prioritizing skill-sharing, often learning from those they will never compete against due to weight class differences.
This approach has been seen increasingly among elite fighters who view technical growth as a shared journey rather than a competitive disadvantage.
For Zhang and Dvalishvili, the brief exchange reflects mutual respect and a shared dedication to mastering the sport.
