“The belt is secondary”: Merab Dvalishvili puts beating Petr Yan above winning the title

Merab Dvalishvili is not a normal fighter; he has proved that in 2025. When champions hardly fought twice a year, he fought four times for a title; he was so close to becoming the first fighter to defend a belt four times in a year. However, he fell short and lost the belt to Petr Yan at UFC 323. 

He has the opportunity to claim what he lost at UFC 333 in a trilogy bout against Yan. However, he recently said that proving he can beat elite fighters is more important to him than reclaiming the title. And that’s the point he wants to prove in their third chapter. 

Merab Dvalishvili focused on proving himself against Petr Yan rather than the title

Dvalishvili was recently interviewed by MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, where the Georgian revealed his mindset heading into the trilogy bout against Yan at UFC 333. He expressed his love for the game and explained that the title is secondary to him, as he is proving himself against the elite competition he wants. 

“I'm a fighter, and I love fighting, and to be champion or not be champion is, I already win the belt four times and I'm fine with that,” Dvalishvili said. “Of course, but I always want more. I want to win the fight against Petr Yan. This is most important for me. The belt is secondary,” 

The Georgian reflected on his 2025 fights and acknowledged that he took a risk by accepting the matchup on short notice, without the preparation he would normally have for a title fight. Despite the defeat at UFC 323, ‘The Machine’ refuses to dwell on what could have happened had he waited for a longer training camp.

“I always like to take a risk, and I know I was taking risk because I was busy,” Dvalishvili added. “I was taking such a short time against top opponent, and without pretty much, I would say, without big game plan or something, I was just willing to fight, staying active... I don't regret, or I say what if. This is who I am.” 

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments below:

In their first chapter, Dvalishvili dominated Yan to secure a unanimous decision victory, and many expected things to go the same way in their second showdown at UFC 323. However, the Russian came prepared, displayed incredible takedown defense, and delivered amazing striking to secure the title. Now they are 1-1 heading into UFC 333. 

Merab Dvalishvili reveals he fought Petr Yan with a broken hand

In the above-mentioned interview, Dvalishvili reflected on the first time he shared the octagon with Yan. He revealed that he fought with a broken hand throughout and was still able to secure a dominant victory. He also expressed excitement for the trilogy bout, praising Yan. 

“I was worse condition in first time when I beat him. I was with broken hand, but I still beat him. Now it's one and one and now I can't wait to fight him again,” Dvalishvili said. “He's a top opponent, very good fighter and, like I said, I want to fight for the best and we will find out who will win this fight.”