Aljamain Sterling reveals key adjustments Merab Dvalishvili needs to make for the Petr Yan trilogy

Merab Dvalishvili’s training partner and close friend, Aljamain Sterling, recently discussed the most important point that ‘The Machine’ should keep in mind when performing it with Petr Yan.

The Georgian fighter lost his bantamweight title to Yan last year in a rematch at UFC 323. With the score now tied at 1-1, both fighters are expected to lose later this year.

The UFC has promised Merab Dvalishvili an immediate title rematch as the latter had successfully defended his title three times by 2025 and was one of the most active champions. His fourth title defense did not go his way, and despite his maximum effort, Yan was simply the better man on fight night.

The potential fight between Yan and Dvalishvili 3 is expected to take place later this year. ‘No Mercy’ recently underwent lower back surgery and will be out of action for at least 2 months.

Aljamain Sterling points out the changes Merab Dvalishvili needs to make for the Petr Yan Trilogy Bout

Aljamain Sterling says at UFC 323 that Merab Dvalishvili got tired early in the striking exchanges and will have to go back to a wrestling-heavy approach in the third fight with Petr Yan. He told Home of Fight:

“Now they’re 1-1 against each other. I think the adjustment he has to make makes him look more like himself again… The first time he fought Petr Yan, he shot within the first 15 seconds. This time they exchanged punches on the feet for three minutes. I think he tired himself a little bit.”

As ‘Funk Master’ noted, ‘The Machine’ didn’t immediately shoot for takedowns at UFC 323, and even the cageside commentators pointed that out. Chasing a finish, he opted to stand and trade for most of the 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, Yan was the sharpest boxer that night, smashing the Georgian’s face into pieces and delivering brutal kicks to his liver. Dvalishvili screams in pain. But despite so much damage, ‘The Machine’ still didn’t slow down, but that wasn’t enough to raise its hand. Meanwhile, ‘No Mercy’ scored his own takedowns and also had great takedown defense.

Merab’s coach Dvalishvili recently admitted that chasing finishes in title defenses was the wrong approach, and from now on: “Merab just has to be Merab.”