UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is looking to make history this weekend at UFC 323 as he attempts to become the first champion in the promotion’s history to defend his title four times in a calendar year.
The fight comes against Petr Yan, who has defeated Dvalishvili once before. In a sense, Merab is competing in the 135lb division, but the busy schedule is by design, he explained during Wednesday’s UFC 323 media day.
“That was my goal, to be busy this year. Thank you UFC for making this happen because I was ready to fight four times this year, and it’s happening. Here we are in Fight Week, today is Wednesday. All I have to do is gain weight and then be happy.”
Dvalishvili admits his weight loss is “never easy” but added that he felt worse on Wednesday, while “today I am doing well.”
Saturday’s clash with Yan comes after Dvalishvili had given the Russian ex-champion the distance for the first time. On what could be different: “I’m looking for finishing,” Dvalishvili said. “It will be difficult because no one has ever finished him. But yes, I want to beat him, one more win, and of course it will be a record, a fourth fight, a fought win this year and another win in the UFC. Every win is important for me, important for my country and my team.”
Furthermore, Merab Dvalishvili is optimistic about where the bantamweight division is now. He sees two potential challengers in particular who stand out from the pack.
“I’m excited. [Aiemann] Zahabi has had a long winning streak, which is good. Song Yadong has a fight against Sean O’Malley. Of course, if Yadong wins somehow, I’ll be cheering for Sean O’Malley, but if Yadong wins, I want to fight him too. And then there are other guys who have other fights too and if they win, I have another contender.
While Song Yadong shares the UFC 323 card with Dvalishvili, Zahabi picked up a win over Chito Vera at UFC Vancouver in October, defeating ex-champ Jose Aldo while riding a seven-fight win streak. Either way, it’s clear the champion has options.
That said, Dvalishvili won’t take his eye off the prize this Saturday. “First of all, I’m focusing on Petr Yan. I don’t want to overlook him. He is a top challenger, not every fight goes the same way. One mistake can change everything, and I realize the danger of Petr Yan.”
Watch Merab Dvalishvili’s full UFC 323 media day appearance above. The bantamweight champion will take on Petr Yan in the main event of UFC 323 in Las Vegas on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
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