UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The relentless Georgian says he has no fear of fatigue or burnout as he prepares to make his fourth title defense of 2025, a feat that would mark a historic milestone in UFC history.
Dvalishvili will meet former champion Petr Yan in a rematch at UFC 323 on December 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, capping off one of the most active championship runs ever recorded. Their first encounter in March 2023 ended in a dominant unanimous-decision victory for Dvalishvili, who swept all five rounds on the scorecards.
A Champion Who Refuses to Rest
Despite competing just over a week ago at UFC 320, where he defended his belt against Cory Sandhagen, Dvalishvili was immediately ready for the next challenge. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, the 33-year-old champion confirmed that his schedule suits him just fine.
“It’s gonna be a good fight,” Dvalishvili said. “He’s a former champion. He has a lot of wins in the UFC. It’s gonna be a fun fight, and I’m taking quick turnaround. It’s good, I’m busy, and I’m willing to fight also in March. February will be in Australia, I don’t think they gonna give me this. In March would be realistically.”
That mindset reflects Dvalishvili’s commitment to staying active, focused, and constantly evolving. He’s already talking about potential bouts for early 2026, confident that his pace won’t wear him down.
Respect for Petr Yan, Rivalry Behind Them
Though the two men once shared tension following their first fight, Dvalishvili insists that any hostility is long gone.
“I’m fine with him,” Dvalishvili said. “As a fighter, I give him so much respect. Also, as a family man, he has a beautiful family, five kids, and he’s a good father. Good for him, God bless him. Hopefully, he’s a better person now.”
For Dvalishvili, the rematch isn’t personal—it’s professional. It’s about setting records and pushing his limits as a competitor.
If Dvalishvili wins again in December, he’ll separate himself from a short list of legends—Matt Hughes, Demetrious Johnson, Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell, Frank Shamrock, and Kamaru Usman—who all defended their titles three times in one year.
He’ll also surpass Alex Pereira, who achieved that milestone last year before dropping his light heavyweight crown to Magomed Ankalaev in early 2025. Pereira later admitted his grueling schedule may have affected his performance, though he regained his title months later at UFC 320.
Dvalishvili acknowledges that risk, but he isn’t worried.
“Yes, but I’m not afraid of even losing something,” he explained. “Listen, I’m a fighter. I know I’m not gonna win all these fights, but listen, I love this, and like I said, when I have a fight, I’m more focused. I live a more healthy lifestyle, and yeah, I just want to improve.”
Currently holding a 14-fight win streak, Dvalishvili has transformed from an underdog early in his UFC career into one of the most dominant champions in modern MMA. His constant drive and refusal to rest have made him a symbol of discipline and work ethic within the division.
With UFC 323 approaching and another fight already on his mind, Dvalishvili’s determination to remain active may define not just his reign—but his legacy.
“I love to stay busy,” Dvalishvili said. “It keeps me sharp. Every fight makes me better.”
