Overview
- This week Merab Dvalishvili said he is in focused training camp in Las Vegas, added a private wrestling coach known as Coach Jesse, and is deliberately “training smarter” for a possible third fight with Petr Yan.
- Dvalishvili lost the UFC 323 rematch to Yan after attempting 29 takedowns and landing two while Yan completed five of nine takedown attempts and outpointed him on the feet.
- Petr Yan underwent lower-back surgery earlier this year, which delayed the trilogy, and there is no confirmed date though Yan has been reported back in training.
- Since losing the belt Dvalishvili has stayed active outside the UFC with two RAF wrestling bouts and a crossover fight booking with Henry Cejudo, and he has said he fought the rematch carrying a secret knee injury.
- A trilogy would settle a 1-1 rivalry that has reshaped the bantamweight pecking order and Dvalishvili’s camp changes could alter his takedown strategy and matchmaking dynamics if the fight is booked.