Merab Dvalishvili Targets Petr Yan Trilogy at UFC 333 After Rematch Regrets
Former bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will challenge Petr Yan for the title at UFC 333, scheduled for October 24 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, aiming to correct the strategic errors that cost him his belt in their previous meeting.
Dvalishvili lost his bantamweight championship to Yan via unanimous decision at UFC 323 late last year, a defeat that leveled their head-to-head series at 1-1 following Dvalishvili’s initial victory at UFC Fight Night in 2023. Reflecting on the December setback, Dvalishvili told MMA Fighting that he erred by engaging Yan in a traditional striking battle rather than leaning into his own established grappling-heavy style.
“I think the second fight I was fighting his fight,” Dvalishvili told MMA Fighting. “I was in front of him and then exchanged the boxing, but this time I will just be myself.”
### Strategic Adjustments for the Rubber Match
In their second encounter at UFC 323, Yan utilized a technical approach to neutralize Dvalishvili, stuffing takedown attempts and punishing the Georgian champion on the feet. While Dvalishvili entered that bout as a sizable favorite, Yan’s tactical masterclass earned him a decisive unanimous decision from the judges.
Looking ahead to the upcoming trilogy fight at UFC 333, Dvalishvili expressed confidence that he has made the necessary adjustments to reclaim the title from the Russian fighter.
“I think I’ll be much sharper and I know I can beat this guy,” Dvalishvili told MMA Fighting. “He hits hard, he is good, he’s shown, so it’s going to be a good fight. I’m excited.”
### Historical Context of the Rivalry
The upcoming bout marks the fourth time Dvalishvili has put the bantamweight title on the line within a 12-month span. The rivalry dates back to their first meeting in 2023, where Dvalishvili secured an emphatic unanimous decision win. With both fighters holding one victory over the other, the rubber match at UFC 333 will definitively settle the score in their divisional feud.
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