Merab Dvalishvili Awaits Trilogy Fight Against Petr Yan

Merab Dvalishvili is currently awaiting an official date for a trilogy fight against UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan, a matchup the promotion has promised him following their previous encounters [1]. While Dvalishvili has expressed readiness to compete, he remains in the dark regarding the timeline for his return to the octagon [2].

Key takeaways

• Petr Yan claimed the bantamweight title by defeating Dvalishvili at UFC 323 in December [1].
• Following that victory, Yan underwent a nine-hour surgery on his back [1].
• Dvalishvili has been told by the UFC that a trilogy fight is next, but no official date has been set [1].
• To stay active, Dvalishvili is participating in a grappling match against Frankie Edgar at RAF 09 [2].

The status of the bantamweight trilogy

The rivalry between the two fighters is currently tied at one win apiece, with Dvalishvili dominating their first meeting in March 2023 and Yan securing a decision victory in their December 2024 rematch [1]. Dvalishvili noted that while Yan previously indicated he might be ready to fight in June, the UFC has not yet finalized a date for the trilogy [1]. Dvalishvili suggested that the champion appears to be taking his time with his return to action [2].

Dvalishvili, who previously held the bantamweight title after defeating Sean O’Malley at UFC 306, acknowledged that his position as a challenger has changed his ability to influence the UFC’s scheduling [2]. As a champion, he was able to push the promotion to keep him busy, but he now recognizes that he must wait for his opponent to be ready [1]. Dvalishvili stated that UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell told him to heal up and reach out when ready, with the promotion confirming the trilogy is the intended next step [3].

Staying active while waiting

Because the trilogy fight will not take place on the "UFC Freedom 250" card at the White House, Dvalishvili has turned his attention to other opportunities to remain competitive [3]. He is scheduled to face UFC Hall of Famer Frankie Edgar in a wrestling match at RAF 09 [2]. Dvalishvili emphasized that he continues to train for MMA regardless of his current fight status, noting that he is always prepared to step into the cage if the UFC calls [2].

Why it matters

The delay in the trilogy fight leaves the bantamweight division in a state of uncertainty as the UFC calendar fills up [2]. While there is speculation that the fight could land on a future card like UFC 330 in Philadelphia, no official announcement has been made [3]. For Dvalishvili, the priority remains reclaiming the title he lost in December, and he continues to train in anticipation of the UFC finalizing a date for his return to the octagon [2].