Merab Dvalishvili breaks down key mistake he made in Petr Yan rematch ahead of UFC 333 title fight

Merab Dvalishvili is preparing for a third encounter with Petr Yan at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on October 24, and he believes he knows exactly what cost him their rematch at UFC 323.

Dvalishvili dominated their first meeting in 2023, controlling the action with relentless takedowns to secure a decision victory. When the two met again at UFC 323, however, Yan reversed the script entirely. The former champion delivered a masterclass performance that resulted in a stoppage, ending Dvalishvili's reign as bantamweight title holder and claiming his second championship reign in the process.

Now facing a trilogy bout in the co-main event slot, Dvalishvili told MMA Fighting that his mistake in the rematch was abandoning his game plan. "I think the second fight I was fighting his fight," Dvalishvili explained. "I was in front of him and then exchanged the boxing, but this time I will just be myself. I think I'll be much sharper and I know I can beat this guy." He acknowledged Yan's striking prowess but expressed confidence heading into the rubber match.

Dvalishvili had been on a three-fight title defense streak before losing to Yan, who prevented him from becoming the first UFC bantamweight to record four successful defenses in a calendar year. Yan's comeback has been delayed by back surgery, but the trilogy has now been officially announced.

With both top contenders sidelined, the bantamweight division has seen significant movement. Song Yadong impressed with a dramatic knockout of former title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov, while Mario Bautista climbed the rankings past Cory Sandhagen. Dvalishvili expressed enthusiasm about the division's depth, naming prospects like Raul Rosas and praising Yadong's striking power. He also championed his friend Aljamain Sterling, the former champion seeking a featherweight title shot, suggesting that Sterling should face the winner of the UFC 333 main event between champion Alexander Volkanovski and undefeated Movsar Evloev.