Merab Dvalishvili News
Ilia Topuria reacts to Merab Dvalishvili's UFC 323 loss against Petr Yan
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 7, 2025
Ilia Topuria has sent words of encouragement to Merab Dvalishvili following UFC 323. Dvalishvili was chasing history on Saturday in Las Vegas. “The Machine” was attempting to set a new record for the most successful UFC title defenses in a single year. Petr Yan had other plans, as he avenged a 2023 loss against Dvalishvili via unanimous decision.
Sean O'Malley in awe of Petr Yan's UFC 323 title win over Merab Dvalishvili
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 7, 2025
Sean O’Malley reacted to Petr Yan’s stellar performance against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323. Yan challenged Dvalishvili for the UFC Bantamweight Championship this past Saturday in Las Vegas. It was a chance for Yan to not only reclaim the 135-pound gold, but to also get some revenge after being defeated by “The Machine” back in 2023. Mission accomplished for Yan, who earned the unanimous decision victory to close out his 2025.
Dana White praises Merab Dvalishvili with one-word message following UFC 323
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 7, 2025
Dana White had some big praise for Merab Dvalishvili following UFC 323, and he only needed one word to get his point across. Dvalishvili attempted to set a new record for the most successful UFC title defenses in a single year on Saturday. “The Machine” wasn’t able to achieve the feat, as he has finally met his match in Petr Yan. Dvalishvili actually had a unanimous decision win over Yan back in 2023, but their rematch played out far differently.
Aljamain Sterling reacts to Petr Yan dethroning Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323
Harry Kettle - December 7, 2025
Former UFC champion Aljamain Sterling has given his thoughts on Petr Yan defeating Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323. In the main event of UFC 323, Petr Yan defeated Merab Dvalishvili to become the new UFC bantamweight champion. It was an absolutely incredible performance from the Russian sensation, to the point where on two scorecards, he won by four rounds to one. After years of being away from the title picture, he has finally been able to work his way back to the very top.
UFC 323 Results: Petr Yan defeats Merab Dvalishvili (Highlights)
Chris Taylor - December 6, 2025
We have you covered for all of tonight’s UFC 323 results, including the main event men’s bantamweight rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan. Dvalishvili (21-4 MMA) will be making a quick turnaround, this after defeating Cory Sandhagen at October’s UFC 320 event. ‘The Machine’ has successfully defended the promotion‘s bantamweight world title on three occasions in 2025, this while defeating Umar Nurmagomedov, Sean O’Malley and the aforementioned ‘Sandman’.
UFC 323: 'Dvalishvili vs. Yan 2' Live Results and Highlights
Chris Taylor - December 6, 2025
The Octagon returns to T-Mobile Arena for tonight’s UFC 323 event, a 14-bout fight card headlined by Merab Dvalishvili vs. Petr Yan 2. Dvalishvili (21-4 MMA) will be making a quick turnaround, this after defeating Cory Sandhagen at October’s UFC 320 event. ‘The Machine’ has successfully defended the promotion‘s bantamweight world title on three occasions in 2025, this while defeating Umar Nurmagomedov, Sean O’Malley and the aforementioned ‘Sandman’.
Merab Dvalishvili supports Aiemann Zahabi's UFC title aspirations: "You deserve it"
Dylan Bowker - December 5, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili and Aiemann Zahabi could potentially be on a championship collision course with one another, depending on how the proceedings this weekend play out. But the two men showed tangible mutual respect for one another amid a big fight week for the former. Dvalishvili first has to deal with the imminent challenge of former bantamweight champion Petr Yan as the two run it back for a rematch at UFC 323 on Saturday, December 6th. Zahabi was on the scene for fight week in an analyst role for Sportsnet and spoke with the reigning, defending champion. As far as addressing the notion of whether Zahabi is in the mix for a shot at championship gold as we encroach into the next calendar year, Dvalishvili said,
UFC 323 rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan won't go any different, says ex-champion
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 5, 2025
One former champion doesn’t think Petr Yan can do much to turn things around against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323. Yan will get a second chance to get the better of Dvalishvili on Saturday, but the UFC Bantamweight Championship will be at stake this go-around. “The Machine” scored a unanimous decision victory over Yan back in 2023.
Merab Dvalishvili slams Petr Yan's claim that he was injured during their first fight
Harry Kettle - December 5, 2025
UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili has hit back at Petr Yan after he claimed that he was injured during their first fight. Tomorrow night, Merab Dvalishvili will defend the UFC bantamweight championship against Petr Yan at UFC 323. It has the potential to be one of the most intriguing fights of the year, especially given the insane activity of Merab who, in 2025 alone, has been able to put together a 3-0 run.
Merab Dvalishvili makes shocking choice for next opponent after UFC 323, dismisses Umar Nurmagomedov rematch
Curtis Calhoun - December 4, 2025
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is eying a fresh, new challenge with a win this Saturday at UFC 323 over Petr Yan. Merab Dvalishvili is aiming to earn his fourth win of 2025 as he prepares to defend the UFC bantamweight championship against Petr Yan this Saturday at UFC 323. Dvalishvili and Yan will clash in a rematch of their 2023 bout, which featured a record-setting performance by the current champion.
UFC 323's Petr Yan not overly impressed by Merab Dvalishvili's activity
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 4, 2025
As UFC 323 draws closer, Petr Yan isn’t mesmerized by Merab Dvalishvili’s activity. Dvalishvili is nearing the record for the most successful title defenses in a single year in UFC history. To break the record, “The Machine” will need to defeat Yan in a rematch on Saturday. Dvalishvili holds a unanimous decision victory over Yan, and he’s hoping to find even better success this go-around.
Merab Dvalishvili says there's no bad blood with Petr Yan heading into UFC 323
Harry Kettle - December 4, 2025
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has said there’s no bad blood between him and Petr Yan ahead of UFC 323. On Saturday night, Merab Dvalishvili will take on Petr Yan in the main event of UFC 323. If he’s able to pick up the win, Merab will officially go 4-0 this year, successfully defending his belt on every occasion. Of course, these two men have fought before, with ‘The Machine’ picking up the win on that occasion en route to earning his own shot at the gold.
Merab Dvalishvili expecting a 'war' against Petr Yan at UFC 323
Cole Shelton - December 3, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili is expecting a tough fight at UFC 323 when he takes on Petr Yan. Dvalishvili is set to defend his bantamweight title for the fourth time in 2025 when he takes on Yan in the main event of UFC 323 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Heading into the fight, Dvalishvili is a -500 favorite while the Russian is a +340 underdog on FanDuel.
Petr Yan shares bold prediction for UFC 323 title fight against Merab Dvalishvili
Cole Shelton - December 2, 2025
Petr Yan expects to reclaim his bantamweight title at UFC 323 on Saturday night in Las Vegas. Yan is set to rematch Merab Dvalishvili in the main event of UFC 323 for the bantamweight title. The two fought back in March of 2023, and it was Dvalishvili who dominated Yan en route to a lopsided decision.
Sean O'Malley says Merab Dvalishvili's 'confidence in his hands' could lead to stunning upset loss at UFC 323
Curtis Calhoun - December 2, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili’s two-time rival, Sean O’Malley, believes we could see a massive upset in the UFC 323 main event this weekend. UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will fight in his fourth title defense of 2025 against Petr Yan this Saturday at UFC 323. It’s a rematch of Dvalishvili’s record-setting performance against Yan in 2023, featuring a record number of takedown attempts and successful takedowns.
Merab Dvalishvili is a more interesting grappler than Islam Makhachev, says Dominick Cruz
Harry Kettle - December 2, 2025
UFC legend Dominick Cruz has explained why he prefers Merab Dvalishvili’s grappling to Islam Makhachev’s grappling. For the longest time now, Merab Dvalishvili has been seen as one of the best bantamweights on the planet. On the flip side, Islam Makhachev is considered by many to be the pound for pound best fighter in all of mixed martial arts right now.
Dominick Cruz: 'Very possible' Petr Yan beats Merab Dvalishvili in UFC 323 rematch
Curtis Calhoun - November 25, 2025
Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz envisions Petr Yan defeating Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323; if he follows on specific path. UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will defend his belt for the fourth time in 2025 next month at UFC 323 against Petr Yan. Two years after Dvalishvili put on a record-setting performance against Yan in their first clash, the two bantamweights will run it back as Yan looks to reclaim the 135-pound throne.
UFC commentator praises Merab Dvalishvili for career management
Harry Kettle - November 20, 2025
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has praised Merab Dvalishvili for how he’s managed his career in the last few years. For the longest time now, Merab Dvalishvili has been viewed as one of the best bantamweights on the planet. Now, many believe him to be the greatest of all time following a run in which he has been able to successfully defend his title three times in one calendar year.