Merab Dvalishvili has made it clear that he wants a third fight against Petr Yan to determine who will claim superiority in their competitive rivalry. Following two intense bouts, with each fighter holding one victory, Dvalishvili remains focused on settling the score rather than moving on to other opponents.
Their first encounter took place in 2023, where Dvalishvili secured a win. Petr Yan responded by reclaiming the bantamweight title at UFC 323 in December 2025 with a unanimous decision. As the competition stands even, Dvalishvili believes the trilogy fight is necessary to conclude their ongoing contest.
Why Waiting for Yan Is Worth the Anticipation
On The Ariel Helwani Show, Dvalishvili shared his reasons for exclusively aiming for Yan as his next challenger. He emphasized the significance and timing of the trilogy fight, noting that both fighters have had time to prepare fully.
“I’m waiting for Petr Yan because this fight makes sense,” Dvalishvili said. “Now we’re 1 1. I beat him in 2023, and he beat me and opened me up good in 2025. I have no excuse, of course I was going through some injuries, some hard training sessions. But now we both have good time to prepare, and I want to challenge myself to see who’s gonna win the trilogy. I’m sure everyone will be excited for this one. It’s worth the wait, and after this fight, we move on.”
Yan’s recovery from lumbar surgery, performed in January, has delayed any return date, but Dvalishvili insists he will remain patient rather than face other competitors. He believes the stakes warrant a decisive conclusion, which fans will eagerly anticipate.
Dvalishvili’s Championship Journey and Future Ambitions
Before losing the title at UFC 323, Merab Dvalishvili had successfully defended the bantamweight championship multiple times, making his defeat a momentary setback in a strong title reign. Rather than making excuses for the loss, he is determined to earn a third fight against Yan to prove himself.
With the head-to-head record tied, the winner of the next matchup will claim psychological dominance and potentially shape the bantamweight landscape. Until Yan is ready to return to competition, Dvalishvili says he will maintain his focus and training, preparing for the opportunity when it arises.
