Merab Dvalishvili Reveals Smart Plan to Defeat Petr Yan in Trilogy Showdown

Merab Dvalishvili is ready to take revenge against Petr Yan after getting dominated in their rematch at UFC 323.

Merab Dvalishvili Reveals Smart Plan to Defeat Petr Yan in Trilogy Showdown

Merab Dvalishvili confirms training camp for Petr Yan trilogy (via Instagram, MMA Fighting)

Merab Dvalishvili had a highly successful 2025, defending his bantamweight title three times and establishing himself as an active champion. However, his attempt to make history with four title defenses in one year ended when Petr Yan defeated him at UFC 323. While both fighters have remained sidelined since then, Dvalishvili has revealed he is now in training camp for their trilogy matchup.

Dvalishvili and Yan first fought in March 2023, with the Georgian star earning a unanimous decision victory through his pressure and wrestling. Their rematch took place at UFC 323, where Yan secured a unanimous decision win to end Dvalishvili’s dominant title reign and recapture the bantamweight championship.

There were doubts about whether Dvalishvili would receive an immediate trilogy fight against Yan after losing the bantamweight title. However, the champion has remained sidelined since UFC 323 due to a lumbar injury. Dvalishvili recently revealed that the trilogy is confirmed and outlined the adjustments he is making to prevent another loss.

Today’s training camp was very good. We worked on positions, and this is pretty much how I’m going to work against Petr. Last time when I fought Petr, I was working hard. This time, I’m working smart. I’m going to get a different result, and I’m going to take my belt back.

Merab Dvalishvili via his YouTube channel

For most of his career, Dvalishvili has trained under John Wood at Syndicate MMA while continuing his long-standing relationship with Serra-Longo Fight Team. Ahead of the expected Yan trilogy, he has made a key adjustment by adding wrestling coach Jesse Doyle to his camp to avoid another UFC 323 result.

Wood has previously described Dvalishvili as the type of fighter who is always ready to accept any challenge. The longtime coach also revealed that Dvalishvili’s team has been waiting for Yan to choose a date and sign the contract, suggesting the delay has been on the champion’s side as the trilogy matchup edges closer.

Interestingly, Dvalishvili’s long-standing nose injury has also resurfaced during his latest training camp. X-rays revealed breaks in two places, but he declined surgery because of the lengthy recovery. Instead, the former champion plans to keep competing before addressing the injury after his fighting career.

Despite waiting for his UFC return, Dvalishvili has stayed active by competing under the Real American Freestyle banner. He defeated former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar in his RAF debut. The Georgian star also earned another victory over former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo at RAF Georgia.

Dvalishvili is now set to rematch Cejudo at RAF 12 while continuing preparations for his expected bantamweight title shot against Yan. Meanwhile, ‘No Mercy’ has likely recovered from the back surgery he underwent in January 2026, bringing the long-awaited trilogy closer.

RELATED
Good News for Merab Dvalishvili as Title Rematch Against Petr Yan is in Consideration

Merab Dvalishvili admits to knee injury prior to UFC 323

Merab Dvalishvili has built a reputation for pushing the limits with his unconventional and dangerous training methods throughout his UFC career. The former bantamweight champion has regularly shared footage of intense sparring sessions, grueling conditioning drills, and risky exercises designed to test his endurance.

Dvalishvili has repeatedly suffered injuries during training camps but has rarely withdrawn from scheduled fights. He has competed through back, knee, and nose injuries at different stages of his UFC career. His extreme training methods once left him bleeding after diving headfirst into a frozen lake, requiring staples to close the wound.

Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323
Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323 (via The Independent)

Yan dismantled Dvalishvili at UFC 323, using his striking and takedown defense to secure a unanimous decision victory. Yan controlled the fight with body attacks and defensive wrestling, earning scorecards of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47. After the loss, ‘The Machine’ revealed he entered the bout with a pre-existing knee injury.

Dvalishvili’s demanding preparation has also included difficult weight cuts throughout his UFC career. Ahead of UFC 323, he admitted the process of reaching 135 pounds was physically challenging while chasing four title defenses in one year. Despite the struggles, he remained focused on his historic goal before facing Yan.

Also Read: