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 allowed him to reclaim the belt after a four‑year reign.
According to Dvalishvili, the UFC has already offered him a third fight against Yan for the championship. In an interview with MMA Pros Pick, he said the organization told him to rest and then contact them when he was ready 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 explained.
Dvalishvili added that he did not suffer any serious injuries in the fight and is eager to schedule the rematch. He suggested the bout could take place in the spring, possibly in April, or in the summer. With the series currently tied 1‑1, a trilogy fight is highly anticipated.
Petr Yan’s victory over Dvalishvili has been widely praised; commentator Joe Rogan called it a “masterclass,” highlighting Yan’s intense training camp and strength‑and‑conditioning work as key factors in his success. The win marks a resurgence in Yan’s career after three consecutive losses, including the one to Dvalishvili.
The upcoming fight promises to be a highly competitive chapter in their rivalry, as Dvalishvili had been a dominant champion since defeating Sean O’Malley at UFC 306, but Yan’s strategy and skill ultimately secured his victory at UFC 323. The result will shape the next phase of their rivalry and the future of the bantamweight division.
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