Petr Yan vows to break Merab Dvalishvili's nose again in UFC 333 trilogy

The bantamweight champion defends his title against Dvalishvili in Saturday's co-main event in Abu Dhabi, after holding the Georgian to two takedowns in their rematch, down from 11 in their first fight.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Thu 22 Oct, 17:10 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Petr Yan has promised to break Merab Dvalishvili's nose for a second time when the pair meet in their trilogy fight for the bantamweight title on Saturday.

The 135lb rivals settle the series in the co-main event of UFC 333 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Dvalishvili won their first meeting over five rounds in 2023, before Yan beat him in December at UFC 323 to take the title.

Yan said at the UFC 333 press conference that he was treating the third fight on its own terms rather than looking back at the rematch. He said: “For me, it’s new fight.” He added that his goal was to defend his title.

The champion said his team had prepared a detailed game plan for Dvalishvili. Yan said: “My team puts together a plan. We are surgical; we take everything apart. This machine is going to be taken apart, one detail at a time. But, trust me, I will come here, and I will break his nose one more time!” Takedowns separated the first two fights. Dvalishvili scored 11 in their 2023 meeting but managed two in the rematch.

Yan expects the challenger to keep chasing his legs on Saturday, and said he would have no more success than last time. He said: “Last time he tried, like, 30, 40 takedowns against me; he couldn’t take me down once.” He also said Dvalishvili would struggle if he chose to stand and trade, as he did in the rematch.

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Petr Yan Merab Dvalishvili