Islam Makhachev recently wondered how a third fight between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili would go.
Earlier this month, Yan dethroned Dvalishvili in a rematch at UFC 323, spoiling the Georgian’s fourth title defense in 2025. While ‘The Machine’ didn’t slow down for five rounds, Yan found a way to stop the takedowns, scored his own and didn’t melt under Dvalishvili’s pressure.
He also held the lead in the eye-catching exchanges, leaving the 34-year-old bloodied. In addition, the Russian fighter delivered brutal kicks to the liver of his enemy, causing visible cries of pain.
Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan are expected to meet next year to complete the trilogy, and the first is already training again.
Islam Makhachev gives his two cents on Potential Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili 3
In a recent interview with UshataykaIslam Makhachev was asked how he sees a third fight between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili playing out. The P4P king was in favor of ‘No Mercy’ and also praised his preparation for UFC 323. Makhachev said:
‘I saw him [Petr Yan] involved fighters from Dagestan in his training. You could tell from the fight that he was well prepared for the struggle. In the first fight Petr made a lot of mistakes. This fight showed that he corrected them. I think it will be even easier for Petr in a third fight because he knows what to expect from Merab. He knows how to stop his wrestling and impose his own wrestling. It will be even easier.”
The Dagestan wrestling maestro added:
“But you can’t relax. Merab is the kind of fighter who just keeps coming and coming. You just have to show up in the same shape, with the same mentality. Don’t be afraid of his struggle and impose your own, which he did in the second fight.”
Watch Islam Makhachev’s comments below:
Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili first clashed in 2023, as ‘The Machine’ was heading towards a unanimous decision. But Yan was dealing with a hand injury that limited his attack in the first outing.
The rematch told a different story, and a fully recovered Yan destroyed Dvalishvili, giving him trouble with the jab and looking a step ahead in every department.
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