Merab Dvalishvili Speaks Out After UFC 333 Decision Loss to Petr Yan
Merab Dvalishvili expressed gratitude and affirmed his motivation to return following a unanimous decision loss to Petr Yan in their trilogy bout at UFC 333.
· VILLAND PICK editorial
Merab Dvalishvili came up short in his trilogy clash against Petr Yan on Saturday, dropping a unanimous decision in the co-main event of UFC 333 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. All three judges scored the contest 48-47 for Yan, preventing Dvalishvili from reclaiming the Ultimate Fighting Championship title.
Dvalishvili (21-6) established early control by sweeping the first two rounds on all three official scorecards with his relentless wrestling pressure. However, the Russian champion turned the momentum in the third frame, successfully defending takedowns and connecting with damaging strikes on the feet across the final three rounds to seal the victory.
Despite the setback, Dvalishvili released a statement on social media expressing gratitude to God, the UFC, his corner, and his training partners. He credited cornermen Aljamain Sterling, Davey Grant, Zviad Lazishvili, and John Wood, while also thanking his Las Vegas teammates and his New York team, including Matt Serra and Ray Longo.
"Last but certainly not least - my family, friends and fans - your support and love means the world to me!" Dvalishvili wrote. "I cannot wait to be back in that cage doing what I love to do! I am healthy and motivated and will be back soon!"
Sources
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