Sometimes the biggest moments in MMA happen when fighters least expect it. That was the case for reigning UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, who was caught completely off guard during a live appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show when Dana White officially announced his next fight.
As Dvalishvili discussed the possibility of facing Petr Yan again, White revealed that the rematch was already set for UFC 323 on December 6 in Las Vegas.
I had no idea, Dvalishvili admitted. They told me Petr didn’t have his visa yet. UFC said they’d try their best, but they never guarantee you. Then suddenly, they just announce it.
It was a classic UFC moment, a mix of shock, excitement, and instant preparation.
The Machine Keeps Rolling
Merab Dvalishviliis one of the few champions who refuses to slow down. Less than two weeks after defeating Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320, he’s already preparing for his fourth fight of 2025. That victory marked his third successful title defense this year, and now, with UFC 323 on the horizon, he has the chance to make history.
If Dvalishvili beats Yan again, he’ll become the first UFC champion ever to defend a title four times in a single calendar year.
I’m not afraid to lose something, he said. When I have a fight, I’m more focused, I live a healthier lifestyle. If I can fight again in March 2026 after December, I will.
Petr Yan’s Revelation: Fighting with One Hand
Petr Yan, who lost their first bout in March 2023, recently revealed a detail that went largely unnoticed at the time, he fought that entire match with a serious injury.
If you just look at the stats, I only used my right hand three or four times, Yan said in a recent interview. I couldn’t punch with my right hand. I couldn’t use it to defend the wrestling. Those are just facts.
That admission gives new context to Dvalishvili’s record-breaking performance, where he set a UFC all-time mark with 49 takedown attempts in a single fight while completely smothering the former champion.
Now fully healthy and riding a three-fight win streak, Yan believes this rematch will tell a different story.
Merab Dvalishvili’s Relentless Pace and Unshakable Confidence
For Dvalishvili, activity has become his identity. Known for his freakish cardio and relentless pressure, the Georgian star says he now uses his champion status to stay as busy as he wants.
When you’re just a regular fighter, you wait six months or more to fight. Now that I’m champion, I can push the fights. I went to Hunter Campbell’s office and told him, ‘Please, if there’s any chance to fight in December, I want it.’
That level of commitment is what separates Dvalishvili from most champions, he thrives on chaos. Even his coach, John Wood, who has voiced concern about the pace, admits he’s no longer surprised by his fighter’s constant hunger for competition.
Respect, Rivalry, and Redemption
Despite the trash talk and tension, Dvalishvili holds genuine respect for Yan’s skill and toughness. “He’s dangerous, he’s tough, and one punch can change anything,” he said. “He deserves this shot. He’s coming off a good winning streak. But I believe I can make it look easy.”
That confidence doesn’t come from arrogance, it’s backed by hard work. In fact, Dvalishvili confirmed a wild rumor that surfaced after UFC 320: he sparred five full rounds just hours before his title defense against Sandhagen.
I did full sparring that morning, he admitted. Usually me and Aljamain [Sterling] just do drills, but this time I was lucky to go to my gym in Vegas and train in the Octagon. My coaches trust me. I spar five rounds three times a week, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
If that doesn’t tell you everything about “The Machine,” nothing will.
History Awaits in December
The stakes couldn’t be higher heading into UFC 323. Merab Dvalishvili stands on the verge of UFC immortality with the chance to achieve something no champion has ever done before, four successful title defenses in one year.
Across the cage, Petr Yan is fighting for redemption and respect, determined to prove that the version of him who faced Dvalishvili two years ago was only half of what he can be.
With both men locked in and nothing left to hide, this rematch promises to be far more than just another title fight. It’s a battle for legacy, pride, and the right to call oneself the best bantamweight on the planet.
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