Merab Dvalishvili Guaranteed Title Rematch by UFC After Loss to Petr Yan at UFC 323
Merab Dvalishvili, the former UFC bantamweight champion, has revealed that the promotion has assured him a title rematch against Petr Yan, regardless of when he chooses to compete next. This news comes after Dvalishvili’s title loss to Yan at UFC 323, where the latter put on a standout performance to win the rematch via unanimous decision.
Dvalishvili’s attempt to become the first fighter to successfully defend the bantamweight title four times in a year was thwarted by Yan, who not only outstruck him but also matched his speed, stopped his takedowns, and took him down. The Georgian fighter, known for his entertaining fighting style, had assured the crowd that he intended to give them a show rather than just relying on his wrestling and grappling skills.
Despite taking a significant amount of damage at UFC 323, Dvalishvili is eager to return to the octagon and run it back against Yan. In an interview with MMA Pros Pick, he stated, “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’re ready.'” This assurance from the UFC has given Dvalishvili the confidence to take his time to recover and prepare for the rematch.
Petr Yan’s Change of Heart on Rematch
Initially, Petr Yan had expressed his reluctance to grant Dvalishvili an immediate rematch, stating that the latter needed to win a few fights before being considered for a title shot again. However, in a recent statement, Yan has recanted his words, praising Dvalishvili as one of the few champions who truly deserves a rematch. Yan said, “I think he’s one of those guys who actually deserves any rematch.” This change of heart from Yan has added fuel to the speculation surrounding the potential trilogy fight between the two fighters.
The pair is currently tied at 1-1, and the upcoming title rematch will not only settle the score but also provide an opportunity for Dvalishvili to reclaim his title. With the UFC’s assurance of a title rematch, Dvalishvili can now focus on his recovery and preparation, knowing that his next fight will be for the bantamweight championship. As the MMA community awaits the announcement of the rematch, one thing is certain – the trilogy fight between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan will be an highly anticipated and exciting matchup.
For more information on the UFC and its upcoming events, fans can visit the official UFC website or follow reputable MMA news sources. The rematch between Dvalishvili and Yan is expected to be a thrilling encounter, and fans can expect a highly competitive and entertaining fight when the two fighters face off again in the octagon.
