Merab Dvalishvili’s main goal for Petr Yan: ‘A finish would be good’
MMA Junkie Radio’s Gorgeous George Garcia catches up with UFC Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili ahead of his fight with Petr Yan at UFC 323.
Merab Dvalishvili wants to become the first to finish Petr Yan at UFC 323.
Dvalishvili (21-4 MMA, 14-2 UFC) will look to notch his fourth title defense of the year when he runs things back with Yan (19-5 MMA, 11-4 UFC) in the Dec. 6 main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Dvalishvili smothered Yan in their first meeting in March 2023, where he attempted a single-fight record of 49 takedowns. He hopes he can win the rematch in more definitive fashion.
“A finish would be good,” Dvalishvili told MMA Junkie Radio. “But we all know nobody was able to finish Petr Yan. He has some split (decision) losses before, and I think only unanimous decision loss against me. Otherwise, he only lost by decision – so he’s good. I’m just focusing on this fight: Get healthy, and win this fight. That’s all I want. But a finish would be sweet.”
If Dvalishvili is able to break the record for most title defenses in UFC bantamweight history against Yan, he plans on extending the record.
“First, I want to clean out my division,” Dvalishvili said. “After, we can talk about move weight class or something like this. Me, right now, I want to take care of my business. I have my fourth fight this year against Petr Yan, former champion. I want to focus on Petr Yan. Then we will see who will be the next opponent in my weight class.”
