YanvsDvalishvili (Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili)

Context

Third meeting between them, with the series tied. Merab Dvalishvili won the first by unanimous decision in March 2023. Petr Yan took the rematch at UFC 323 (December 2025), also by unanimous decision, regaining the title and snapping Dvalishvili's 14-fight win streak.

Yan (20-5), 33, defends the bantamweight belt; Dvalishvili (21-5), 35 and ranked No. 1, wants it back. Several analysts point out that Dvalishvili entered the rematch after a very busy run of title fights.

Technical keys

• Boxing vs wrestling: Yan is the better striker, with 7 wins by KO/TKO and 55% significant strike accuracy. Dvalishvili weaponizes his cardio: 16 of his 21 wins came by decision.
• Takedown volume: Dvalishvili is one of the UFC's most prolific takedown attempters; his official profile lists 338 attempts.
• Yan's takedown defense and his ability to get up and strike again will be decisive.
• Body work and pace: whoever sets the tempo early will have the edge late.

How each can win

Yan: keep his range, punish entries with counters and body shots, and stop the early takedown attempts so Dvalishvili burns energy.

Dvalishvili: relentless forward pressure, chained takedown attempts and mixed striking so Yan can't settle, dragging the fight to a pace his opponent can't sustain.

What the experts say

Most of the predictions consulted favor Yan to retain, mainly by decision. Some analysts pick Dvalishvili, and almost all agree it will be another very close five-round fight.