Merab Dvalishvili Details Key Error in Petr Yan Rematch Ahead of UFC 333

Merab Dvalishvili and UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan are scheduled to settle their rivalry in the co-main event of UFC 333 on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi. The series sits tied at 1-1 after Dvalishvili dominated their initial 2023 meeting with relentless takedowns to claim a decision, before Yan snapped Dvalishvili's three-fight title defense streak at UFC 323 with a masterclass performance to become a two-time champion.

Ahead of their third meeting, Dvalishvili told MMA Fighting’s José Youngs that he strayed too far into Yan's strengths during their rematch. "I think the second fight I was fighting his fight," Dvalishvili said. "I was in front of him and then exchanged the boxing, but this time I will just be myself.

I think I’ll be much sharper and I know I can beat this guy. He hits hard, he is good, he’s shown, so it’s going to be a good fight. I’m excited."

Both competitors had pushed for a trilogy bout, though the scheduling was pushed back following back surgery for Yan. With the division's top two fighters temporarily sidelined, contenders have continued to battle for positioning, including Song Yadong's recent dramatic knockout victory. Dvalishvili noted that he remains motivated by the evolving landscape at 135 pounds, praising rising talent such as Raul Rosas and acknowledging Song as an exciting future challenge once his business with Yan is concluded.