Merab Dvalishvili is entirely focused and deeply eager to reclaim the Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight title as he prepares for the next major chapter of his illustrious professional mixed martial arts career. The former division kingpin is set to challenge reigning champion Petr Yan in a highly anticipated trilogy bout at UFC 333, scheduled to take place on October 24 at the world-class Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. For Dvalishvili, this upcoming clash represents much more than a standard defense or a routine return to the Octagon; it is a direct opportunity to avenge his hard-fought December 2025 loss to the Russian standout and recapture the coveted 135-pound championship that he previously held and defended with relentless tenacity.
The path that has led Dvalishvili back to this championship opportunity has been defined by extreme activity, elite-level competition, and the unwavering resilience that has earned him the beloved moniker "The Machine." Prior to dropping the belt in his rematch against Yan, Dvalishvili had been on a historic tear through the bantamweight division. In fact, his previous encounter with Yan in December 2025 marked his fourth championship appearance within that single calendar year, an astonishingly grueling schedule that tested the physical and mental limits of even a world-class athlete.
Although that December meeting did not go his way, resulting in a loss of the title, Dvalishvili has spent the subsequent months resting, recalibrating, and ensuring that his body and mind are fully restored. Speaking ahead of the upcoming Abu Dhabi card, the former champion emphasized that he feels remarkably healthy, physically refreshed, and mentally sharper than ever before as he steps into the final stages of his training camp.
"I’m really hungry now this time," Dvalishvili said during a recent pre-fight media interview, reflecting on his renewed motivation to capture the gold. "My body is fine, and I’m good… Even when I was busy, I never complained because I’m a fighter and even if something bothers me, I’m gonna show up and I’m gonna fight."
This mindset has been the cornerstone of Dvalishvili’s rise through the Ultimate Fighting Championship ranks. Known for an endless gas tank, suffocating grappling pressure, and an unmatched work ethic, the Georgian contender has built a reputation as one of the most reliable and feared competitors on the global roster. The upcoming trilogy bout at UFC 333 will serve as the ultimate tiebreaker between two of the most elite fighters in bantamweight history, having already shared the Octagon across two previous high-stakes matchups.
Their rivalry has evolved over several years, defined by contrasting styles and elite tactical adjustments. Both of their previous encounters went the full distance, resulting in tense, high-paced unanimous decisions that highlighted the extraordinary skill and durability of both men. Their first meeting in 2023 saw Dvalishvili put on a masterclass of pressure fighting and wrestling, overwhelming Yan with a relentless pace that earned him a clear and dominant unanimous decision victory. However, the dynamics shifted during their championship rematch last year, where Yan managed to solve enough of the puzzle to secure the judges’ nod and take home the bantamweight championship.
Recognizing what went wrong in their second meeting, Dvalishvili has spent his time away from the title picture making calculated adjustments. Rather than simply relying on his customary high-volume output and sheer physical conditioning, he notes that he has focused heavily on "working smart" to ensure he brings a more refined and calculated approach to the cage at UFC 333.
"We are fighting three times," Dvalishvili added, assessing the unique historical nature of their trilogy. "First fight, it was one-sided. I win. Second fight, it was one-sided but not very for me… This time I believe I’m gonna win this fight because I believe I’m much better than him and I have to prove it. I’ve been working hard. I’ve been working smart and all I have to do is just show up and do my thing."
The stakes for UFC 333 extend well beyond the immediate rivalry between Dvalishvili and Yan. As the promotion returns to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, a venue that has hosted some of the most memorable events in mixed martial arts history, the bantamweight championship bout stands as a central pillar of a stacked fight card. The event, supported by major international partnerships including Visit Abu Dhabi, is expected to draw a massive global audience tuning in via platforms like Paramount Plus, further amplifying the pressure and visibility surrounding the championship main events.
For Dvalishvili, the layoff following his title loss has provided a valuable window for reflection and physical recovery. After fighting at a breakneck pace throughout 2025, taking nearly ten months away from active competition has allowed minor injuries to heal and his competitive hunger to peak. Social media updates and promotional appearances leading up to fight week have underscored his unwavering confidence, culminating in a clear message shared across official channels: "I am better than him and I have to prove it."
As fight night approaches in Abu Dhabi, the narrative centers entirely on whether "The Machine" can successfully implement his adjusted strategy or if Yan will manage to successfully defend his throne and cement his dominance in the series. With the bantamweight division watching closely, both competitors know that the trilogy bout will leave a permanent mark on their legacies. For Dvalishvili, the mission is singular, clear, and rapidly approaching: step into the Octagon, execute the game plan, and bring the 135-pound world championship back home.
