Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight title.
The former champion issues a challenge Peter Yan trilogy in the fight at
UFC 333 On October 24 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. He is looking to avenge his loss to the Russian in December 2025 and reclaim the 135-pound championship.
Merab Dvalishvili aims to win the UFC bantamweight title at UFC 333 in Petr Yan’s trilogy.
Dvalishvili attempted to defend his fourth successful title in 2025 when he lost a rematch with Yan. “The Machine” says he feels healthy and fresh ahead of their third meeting.
“I’m really hungry this time,” Dvalishvili said in a pre-fight interview. “My body is fine and I’m good… Even when I was busy, I never complained because I’m a fighter and even if something bothers me, I’ll show up and fight.”
Both previous meetings ended in unanimous decisions, with Dvalishvili dominating their first meeting in 2023 and Yan winning the rematch last year. Dvalishvili says he has been “working smart” to give his best at UFC 333.
“We will fight three times,” added Dvalishvili. “The first fight was one-sided. I’m going to win. The second fight, it was one-sided, but not really for me… This time I believe I’m going to win this fight because I believe I’m a lot better than him and I have to prove it. I’ve been working hard. I’ve been working smart and all I have to do is just show up and do my thing.”
“I’m better than him and I have to prove it.” After 10 months away Merab Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) is looking to reclaim the heavyweight throne in his third match. Peter Yan
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October 21, 2026
