Merab Dvalishvili considered withdrawing from his UFC 323 rematch against Petr Yan, but ultimately decided to push through. The Georgian fighter, nicknamed “The Machine,” was advised by doctors to pull out of the bout. Dvalishvili had already undergone three difficult weight cuts in 2025, and a fourth was deemed inadvisable for the then 34-year-old.
Adding to the concerns were unspecified issues within his training camp. Despite the medical warnings, Dvalishvili expressed his determination and willingness to face challenges head-on, a mindset he attributes to his success. In a recent interview, he stated that he prefers to face adversity rather than make excuses, recalling previous fights where he overcame similar or worse situations to secure victories.
Although he ultimately lost the rematch to Yan, Dvalishvili showcased his signature relentless pressure throughout the five-round bout, consistently pursuing takedowns and even engaging in striking exchanges. The UFC has reportedly promised him a title shot once Petr Yan is ready for a third encounter, with the expectation that their trilogy fight will occur in the third quarter of 2026 to settle their 1-1 rivalry.
Merab Dvalishvili Almost Withdrew from Petr Yan Rematch
Merab Dvalishvili faced strong medical recommendations to withdraw from UFC 323, but “The Machine” had a different plan. After losing his bantamweight title to Petr Yan in a rematch the previous year, Dvalishvili was on track to potentially become the first champion in UFC history to achieve four successful title defenses within a 12-month span. However, before UFC 323, Dvalishvili had already completed three weight cuts in 2025. A fourth cut was not recommended for the fighter. Complications during his training camp further prompted UFC doctors to suggest he withdraw from the Yan rematch.
Dvalishvili, however, did not heed the advice. He revealed in a recent interview with Shakiel Mahjouri: “I like to take challenges. I like to take risks. That’s what I am. That’s what got me here. I knew already. During the training camp [for UFC 323], there were some issues. UFC doctors told me that I can pull out. But that’s who I am. I do not want to make excuses. I like to deal with challenges. I had worse situations before some fights, and I still made it through and won.”
Despite the challenges and falling short in the rematch, Dvalishvili maintained a relentless pace for the entire five rounds, persistently seeking takedowns against Yan and even engaging in striking battles. The UFC has committed to offering him another title opportunity once “No Mercy” is prepared. The highly anticipated trilogy fight is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2026, aiming to definitively resolve their 1-1 rivalry.
