Before the decisive third fight, the opponents recall the rematch in completely different ways. Yan is confident that Merab's pressure only helps to reveal character, while Dvalishvili admitted that he broke psychologically already in the second round of the previous meeting.
Petr Yan calmly regards Merab Dvalishvili's main weapon - constant pressure and high pace.
The Russian stated that it is precisely in such conditions that the true level of the fighter is best seen. According to Yan, Merab's style does not irritate him and will not force him to change his own mindset before the third meeting.
Sam Dvalishvili admitted that the turning point of their rematch came very early. Already in the second round he realized that he was unable to consistently take Yan down, and one of the takedown attempts quickly drained his strength. After that, the Georgian stopped believing in victory and decided to simply go the distance.
The score in the confrontation now 1-1. In 2023 he defeated Dvalishvili, and in December 2025 Yan took revenge and regained the championship belt.
The third fight will take place October 24 at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi.