Merab Dvalishvili Faces Uphill Battle in Potential Yan vs. Dvalishvili Trilogy

Merab Dvalishvili Faces Uphill Battle in Potential Yan vs. Dvalishvili Trilogy

Russian featherweight Mark Vologdin shared his expectations for a third fight between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili in an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net. If Petr shows up in the same form he was in for the second fight, I think the result will be the same-assuming there are no injuries or other issues. He is a top-tier fighter. It will be a bit tough for Merab to make a comeback right now; he injured his nose, and there was something else, too. I don't know, we'll see.

What happened?

In December 2025, Petr Yan took the UFC bantamweight title from Merab Dvalishvili, winning by unanimous decision. For the Russian fighter, this victory served as redemption for the loss he suffered against the Georgian in 2023. Dvalishvili holds a record of 21 wins and five losses, while Yan has 20 wins and five losses.

Why it matters for Merab Dvalishvili

Mentally, it’s hard to get back on a winning streak. It all depends on how they approach the fight. Vologdin believes that if Yan shows up in the same form, the result will be the same. Merab Dvalishvili's chances of a comeback are uncertain, with the Georgian fighter nursing an injury and struggling to regain momentum.

What comes next?

The potential trilogy between Yan and Dvalishvili will be a closely watched event. With both fighters having a history of intense battles, fans are eager to see how the third installment will play out. Will Merab Dvalishvili be able to overcome his injuries and regain his title, or will Petr Yan continue his winning streak? Only time will tell.

It will be competitive either way.