Petr Yan Defends Bantamweight Title Over Dvalishvili in Trilogy

Petr Yan retained his UFC bantamweight championship by defeating Merab Dvalishvili via unanimous decision in their highly anticipated trilogy bout at UFC 333 on October 24, 2026, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Yan started conservatively, allowing Dvalishvili to land five takedowns in the opening two rounds while defending 14 others. However, Yan shifted strategy from Round 3 onward, becoming increasingly aggressive and forcing Dvalishvili into stand-up exchanges where Yan's superior boxing proved decisive. Yan successfully defended all 39 of Dvalishvili's remaining takedown attempts across the final three rounds, ultimately securing three 48-47 scorecards.

The victory marks Yan's second consecutive win over Dvalishvili and completes a dramatic reversal of their rivalry. Dvalishvili had dominated their first meeting in March 2023, landing 11 takedowns on 49 attempts to secure a decisive victory. Yan avenged that loss in December 2025, winning the bantamweight title in their rematch by successfully defending takedowns and utilizing his striking advantage. The trilogy decision settles their contentious three-year rivalry, with Yan and Dvalishvili now split 1-1 in UFC bouts before Yan's championship victory.

Yan (21-5 MMA, 13-4 UFC) has now won four consecutive fights, solidifying his position as one of the division's elite competitors. Dvalishvili (21-6 MMA, 14-4 UFC) saw his 14-fight winning streak ended by Yan's December championship win and failed to reclaim the title in the trilogy. Post-fight, Yan explained his strategic approach: "I usually take a long time to warm up in a fight, but in this way, I knew that he was going to gas forward and eventually he was going to gas out." The bout showcased contrasting fighting styles—Dvalishvili's relentless wrestling pressure against Yan's technical boxing and defensive wrestling acumen.