If the UFC wants to grant Merab Dvalishvili his wish of fighting a fourth time in 2025 on their December UFC 323 card, they’ve got a willing and ready opponent: Petr Yan.
Dvalishvili and Yan already fought back in 2023, with “The Machine” blanking his Russian opponent 50-45 on all three judges scorecards. Since then, Yan has gone 3-0 and also promises a different outcome should he get an opportunity to rematch Merab.
“Yes of course, I’ve been waiting for this chance and I’m ready to fight in December,”
he said on the Ariel Helwani Show when asked if he’d be ready to fight Dvalishvili in two months. “And I believe it’s going to be a great fight that has a history. Last time I was compromised, I was only around 50%. So this time it will be something different and a great and exciting fight.”
Dvalishvili hopes to be the first UFC champion ever to fight four times in a calendar year with this quick turnaround. Yan isn’t doubting his potential opponent’s desire to go through with those plans.
“I think it’s possible if he doesn’t have any injuries,” he said of the date. “He’s the one pushing for it and if it lines up with UFC plans, it’s possible. “
“I hope that I deserve more than anyone in our division to challenge for the belt next and I’m ready and I’m just waiting for this opportunity.”
We’ve got the champ, we’ve got the challenger. Now all we need is the UFC agreeing to put Dvalishvili back into action for the final pay-per-view of the ESPN era.
