TLDR
- Petr Yan rematches Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title at UFC 323 in Las Vegas on Saturday
- Dvalishvili defeated Yan by lopsided decision in their first fight in March 2023
- Yan has won three straight fights since the loss, including victories over Deiveson Figueiredo and Song Yadong
- Yan predicts an early knockout victory to leave no doubt about the result
- Dvalishvili has defended the bantamweight title three times since winning it
Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili: UFC 323 Bantamweight Title Rematch
Petr Yan will challenge Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight championship at UFC 323 on Saturday night in Las Vegas. The fight marks a rematch between the two fighters who previously met in March 2023.
In their first encounter, Dvalishvili controlled the fight and won by unanimous decision. The loss was part of a three-fight losing streak for Yan. Dvalishvili went on to capture the bantamweight title and has successfully defended it three times.
Since the defeat to Dvalishvili, Yan has rebuilt his career with three consecutive victories. He defeated Song Yadong, former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, and most recently Marcus McGhee by decision. The winning streak earned him another shot at the title.
Yan enters the rematch with a record of 19-5. He has studied the first fight and made adjustments to his approach. The Russian fighter plans to implement changes in wrestling, striking, and tactical elements.
“After our fight with Merab, I’m trying to move on from that moment, with notes and corrections from that fight,” Yan said on UFC 323 Countdown. He emphasized the need for a different approach with knowledge of what worked and didn’t work previously.
Yan’s Game Plan
Yan believes Dvalishvili has improved his striking since their first meeting. However, he expects the champion will still rely heavily on wrestling rather than stand-up fighting. Yan sees his boxing skills as a major advantage in the striking department.
The challenger has set his sights on an early knockout finish. Yan wants to avoid any controversy or speculation about the outcome. He has recorded four knockout victories during his UFC career, demonstrating his finishing power.
Championship Implications
Dvalishvili holds a record of 21-4 and has established himself as the bantamweight champion. His three successful title defenses have proven his ability to perform at the highest level. The Georgian fighter’s wrestling-heavy style has been effective against top competition.
Yan stated his desire to reclaim the belt and get revenge for the 2023 loss. He expressed confidence in his preparation and ability to defeat the champion. The former bantamweight champion believes he has all the necessary tools to win.
The main event will determine if Dvalishvili can extend his winning streak or if Yan can become a two-time bantamweight champion. Both fighters have prepared extensively for the rematch at UFC 323 in Las Vegas.
