Merab Dvalishvili Reflects on Petr Yan Loss Ahead of UFC 333 Trilogy
Merab Dvalishvili believes he made the mistake of trading with Petr Yan in their rematch, but remains confident he will reclaim the UFC bantamweight title in their upcoming trilogy bout.
· VILLAND PICK editorial
Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili believes he has identified the critical tactical error that cost him his championship in his rematch against Petr Yan last December. Entering the bout as a sizable favorite while putting his title on the line for the fourth time within a year, Dvalishvili lost via unanimous decision after Yan delivered a technical masterclass, effectively stuffing takedowns and dominating the striking exchanges.
Reflecting on the defeat, "The Machine" admitted that standing in front of the Russian elite boxer played directly into Yan's strengths. "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.
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."
The head-to-head series between the two rivals is currently tied at 1-1. Dvalishvili (21-5) dominated their initial encounter in 2023 with an emphatic unanimous decision victory before Yan (20-5) evened the score in their rematch. The two bantamweights are now scheduled to settle their rivalry in a championship rubber match at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
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