Dvalishvili vs Yan Prediction
🔥 Russian MMA fighter Petr Yan is set for a rematch against the reigning UFC bantamweight champion, Georgian Merab Dvalishvili. The bout will take place at UFC 323 in Las Vegas, USA. The fighters previously met in March 2023, when Dvalishvili secured a unanimous decision victory. How will their rematch unfold? Find out in the prediction below.
Interesting Facts
- Merab Dvalishvili holds the record for the most takedowns in UFC history (117).
- Merab Dvalishvili became the first UFC champion representing Georgia.
- Merab Dvalishvili will have his fourth fight in 2025.
- Petr Yan became the second Russian UFC champion, following Khabib Nurmagomedov.
- Petr Yan set a bantamweight record in his fight against José Aldo on July 11, 2020: he landed 194 significant strikes in less than five rounds, the highest in the division's history.
- Petr Yan will have his second fight in 2025.
H2H Stats Fights and Previous Results
Merab Dvalishvili Player Overview
The 34-year-old Georgian fighter Merab Dvalishvili, currently ranked third in the UFC P4P standings, is the epitome of wrestling prowess. After a challenging debut in Dana White's promotion back in December 2017, he has put together an astonishing ten-fight winning streak, solidifying his status in the bantamweight division. His crowning moment came in September 2024 when Merab confidently defeated Sean O'Malley to claim the championship belt, subsequently defending it successfully three times. Among his 2025 conquests are Umar Nurmagomedov, Sean O'Malley (in a rematch via submission), and Cory Sandhagen, underscoring his undeniable dominance in the division.
Match Results: Merab Dvalishvili
Petr Yan Player Overview
The 32-year-old Petr Yan, a former UFC bantamweight champion, is renowned for his aggressive style and rapid ascent to the top of the division. In just two years, he went from a newcomer to a titleholder, though his reign was cut short in dramatic fashion with a disqualification loss to Aljamain Sterling in March 2021 due to an illegal strike. Subsequent setbacks, including defeats in the rematch with Sterling, as well as losses to Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili, have cast doubt on his future prospects. Nevertheless, since March last year, "No Mercy" has showcased an indomitable spirit, securing three decisive victories, including a triumph over Marcus McGhee in July 2025, earning himself another shot at the title.
Match Results: Petr Yan
Latest news
Merab Dvalishvili
Dvalishvili on the upcoming bout:
"A finish would be a great outcome. But we all know that no one has managed to finish Petr. He's had split decision losses and one unanimous decision loss to me. Either way, Yan only loses by decisions, so he's good. I'm just focusing on the upcoming fight: staying healthy and winning. That's all I want. But a finish, that would be nice."
Petr Yan
Yan on the upcoming fight:
"When you hold the belt, you're always a target. Right now, that belt is with Merab, which means the target is on him. I'm 100% confident that our fight will be very exciting. I want to truly showcase myself in this bout, to work hard. Both grappling and striking techniques will be involved, along with tactical elements-defending and imposing our strengths. Merab is evolving, especially in his striking game, but I don't think his plan is to stand and trade with me. Looking at my boxing skills, he knows that's dangerous for him. I want to finish him early-with a knockout. When you finish a champion early, it leaves no room for talk or speculation. I want to take the belt and get my redemption."
⭐ Editorial Prediction
The bet on over 4.5 rounds in the bout between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili seems highly logical. The Russian, if he enters the fight in peak condition, poses a challenging matchup for the Georgian champion. His exceptional cardio, refined takedown defense, and high-speed striking abilities enable him to maintain Dvalishvili's pace throughout the entire fight. The combined statistics, where six of Merab's last seven fights and all of Yan's last seven bouts have gone the distance, strongly suggest a lengthy rematch.