UFC Hall of Famer shares advice for Merab Dvalishvili and it doesn’t involve Petr Yan

A UFC Hall of Famer thinks Merab Dvalishvili shouldn’t be allowed in octagon in early 2026. Dvalishvili, who has been nominated as Fighter of the Year by major MMA channels, successfully defended his UFC bantamweight gold three times in 2025 against notable opponents Umar Nurmagomedov, Sean O’Malley and Cory Sandhagen.

In December, ‘The Machine’ looked to make history at UFC 323 by successfully defending his title four times in one year.

He took on Petr Yan in a rematch and lost by unanimous decision. It just wasn’t the Georgian’s night in the Octagon. He stayed true to his style and fought as he always does, but on this occasion Yan was simply the superior fighter.

Dvalishvili wants to reverse it and complete his trilogy with Yan, who is now at 1-1. He is already back in the gym and preparing to regain his lost glory.

Michael Bisping wants Merab Dvalishvili to take a six-month break from fighting

Michael Bisping thinks Merab Dvalishvili should take some time away from the octagon. On the JAXXON podcasthe suggested that Dvalishvili take a six-month break from fighting and have Yan fight Umar Nurmagomedov in the meantime. When Dvalishvili returns, he could fight the winner of Yan vs. Umar.

‘The Count’ said:

“I think if Merab takes a good break, takes some time off, maybe six months [Petr] Yan fights Umar Nurmagomedov and then comes back and fights the winner. Six months away, enjoying the spoils of his wealth, and enjoying his hard work. Go to Georgia. Spend time with family. Eat something to eat. Think of nothing. Don’t think about fighting.”

Watch Michael Bisping’s comments below (1:02:06):

Umar Nurmagomedov, who lost to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311, returned to victory against Mario Bautista at UFC 321. The Russian fighter will next fight Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 324. Umar plans to sweep past Figueiredo and then fight for the title.

On the other hand, former champion Sean O’Malley has also expressed interest in fighting current and two-time UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan. ‘Suga’ plans to battle ‘No Mercy’ on June 14, when the promotion heads to the South Lawn of the White House.