Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is already planning his comeback after losing to Petr Yan last weekend. Dvalishvili had aimed to become the first UFC champion to defend his title four times in a calendar year, but Yan’s clinical display in their rematch led to him reclaiming the title after four years.
According to Dvalishvili, the UFC has already offered him a rematch against Yan for the belt. In an interview with MMA Pros Pick, Dvalishvili stated that the UFC told him to rest and then contact them for the trilogy. “The UFC contacted me and said, ‘Please rest as long as you want. Your next fight is a rematch with Petr Yan for the belt. Rest as long as you want and call us when you are ready,'” he said.
Dvalishvili added that he did not suffer any serious injuries from the fight and is eager to schedule the rematch. He suggested that the fight could take place in the spring, possibly in April, or in the summer. The score between Dvalishvili and Yan is currently 1-1, making a trilogy fight highly anticipated.
Petr Yan’s victory over Dvalishvili has been widely praised, with commentator Joe Rogan describing it as a “masterclass.” Rogan highlighted Yan’s intense training camp, which included strength and conditioning exercises, as a key factor in his success. Yan’s win marks a resurgence in his career, following three consecutive losses, including one to Dvalishvili.
The rematch between Dvalishvili and Yan is expected to be a highly competitive fight, given their previous encounters. Dvalishvili had been a dominant champion since winning the gold from Sean O’Malley at UFC 306, but Yan’s strategy and skill ultimately led to his victory at UFC 323. The upcoming fight will determine the next chapter in their rivalry and the future of the bantamweight division.
