The bantamweight division continues to deliver some of the most competitive and thrilling fights in the UFC, and the latest rematch Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan at UFC 323 proved that once again.
This time, Petr Yan shocked the world by defeating Merab Dvalishvili and reclaiming the bantamweight championship.
It was a huge moment not only for Yan’s career but also for the division. However, what stood out even more was the quality of the fight.
Both men showed elite-level skills, heart, and championship mentality, leaving fans already asking the same question:
Is Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan 3 possible?
And the simple answer is: yes, it is not only possible but very likely.
In this article, we will look at why a trilogy fight between Merab and Yan makes sense, how the rivalry has evolved, what both fighters showed in their second meeting, and why the bantamweight division may need this fight more than ever.
A Rivalry That Is Becoming a Classic
Their First Fight: Merab’s Dominance
When Merab Dvalishvili first fought Petr Yan, he shocked a lot of fans. Yan was known for his striking, technical pressure, and high fight IQ, while Merab brought cardio, non-stop pressure, and relentless wrestling.
In that first meeting, Merab succeeded in smothering Yan with his pace and wrestling attacks, earning a clear win.
It was one of Merab’s best career performances and positioned him as the next big threat at bantamweight.
Their Second Fight: Yan Strikes Back
At UFC 323, everything changed. Petr Yan came prepared for the rematch. He defended takedowns, managed distance well, and showed incredible striking accuracy.
Merab still looked strong, still pressured, and still had great moments, but Yan’s takedown defense was the major turning point in the fight.
By neutralizing Merab’s biggest strength, Yan controlled the pace and eventually earned the win.
Now both men stand with one victory each. In MMA, when two elite fighters split victories, a third fight becomes not only logical but almost necessary.
Why the Trilogy Fight Makes Sense for UFC
1. The Division Has No Clear Next Challenger
The UFC’s bantamweight division is stacked with talent, but very few fighters are as complete and as proven as Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan.
Both have defeated top contenders, both have championship-level skills, and both consistently deliver exciting fights.
Right now, no rising contender looks as close to their level in skill, popularity, or resume.
A trilogy fight allows the UFC to keep the title picture active while giving fans the matchup they want the most.
2. The Storyline Is Too Good to Ignore
Rivalries in MMA are important. They keep divisions exciting, create fan interest, and help fighters build legacy. Right now, Merab vs Yan is one of the most interesting rivalries in the UFC:
- First fight: Merab wins
- Second fight: Yan wins
- Third fight: The decider
This is the perfect storyline for a trilogy fight. The UFC knows the power of a good rivalry, and this one checks all the boxes.
3. Both Fights Were Extremely Entertaining
UFC always looks for matchups that guarantee action. And both Merab vs Yan fights delivered that perfectly.
- High-pressure exchanges
- Elite striking
- High-level wrestling defense
- Non-stop pace
- Momentum swings
- Championship-level intensity
When a fight delivers this much action, fans naturally want more. And when fans want something, UFC usually listens.
4. Both Fighters Are Still at the Top
Neither Petr Yan nor Merab Dvalishvili is declining. Both look in their prime, both are improving, and both still have the hunger to fight the best.
As long as they stay at the top of the rankings, the trilogy remains almost unavoidable.
What Merab Showed in the Rematch
Even though Merab Dvalishvili lost the rematch, he still showed world-class ability. It wasn’t a one-sided fight, and Merab definitely had strong moments.
1. Pressure and Cardio Still Elite
Merab proved again that his pressure style works on almost everyone in the division. His gas tank is still one of the best in the UFC, and he was active from the first minute to the last.
2. Improved Striking
He looked much more confident in striking compared to their first meeting. Merab mixed combinations, switched angles, and tried to break Yan’s rhythm. While Yan’s defense was strong, Merab still connected with solid shots.
3. Heart and Durability
Even when Yan defended the takedowns and landed heavy counters, Merab never backed down. His toughness and determination are part of what makes him a fan favorite.
4. Need to Adjust the Takedown Strategy
The biggest challenge Merab faced was that Yan came prepared to defend takedowns.
In a third fight, Merab will likely need to mix his approach more creatively feints, chain wrestling, level changes, and cage pressure combinations.
What Petr Yan Proved at UFC 323
Petr Yan reminded the world why he is one of the most skilled fighters in MMA.
1. Takedown Defense Was the Game-Changer
In their first fight, Merab’s wrestling controlled the action. But in the rematch, Yan came with exceptional preparation. He stopped key takedown attempts, kept the fight standing, and forced Merab to strike more.
2. Striking Accuracy and Timing
Yan’s striking was clean, fast, and extremely well-timed. He used counters, jabs, and combinations to control the exchanges. His ability to read Merab’s attacks was impressive.
3. Composure Under Pressure
Merab is known for overwhelming opponents with pace. But Yan never looked uncomfortable. He stayed calm, made adjustments, and executed a smart game plan.
4. Championship Mentality
Winning back the title after a tough first fight loss shows Yan’s mental strength. Not many fighters can lose to someone and then come back to beat the same opponent convincingly. That’s a sign of a great champion.
Why UFC 323 Created More Questions Than Answers
When a fight ends in such an intense, competitive way, fans don’t feel like the rivalry is finished. Instead, the rematch created even more interest because:
- Both men proved they can beat each other
- Both wins were decisive in different ways
- The matchup is extremely even
- Their styles create exciting fights
- The bantamweight division benefits from clarity
A third fight would finally answer the biggest question:
Who is the true best bantamweight between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan?
How the Trilogy Might Look
1. Tactical Adjustments
A third fight would be a battle of adjustments:
- Can Merab find new ways to secure takedowns?
- Can Yan maintain his striking advantage?
- Who improves cardio management better?
- Who adapts faster during exchanges?
Each fighter already solved the other once. Now the decider will test who can solve the puzzle twice.
2. High Pace and High Output
Both fighters fight at a high pace, and a third fight would likely be just as intense as the first two. Expect:
- Long striking exchanges
- Scrambles
- Pressure
- Technical moments
- Big momentum shifts
This is exactly the type of fight UFC loves to promote as a headliner.
3. Huge Stakes
A trilogy fight wouldn’t just settle a rivalry—it would:
- Decide the long-term direction of the division
- Shape future contender matchups
- Add to both fighters’ legacy
A win for Yan would solidify his status as one of the best bantamweights ever.
A win for Merab would prove he deserves another chance at the championship.
Why Fans Want the Trilogy
Fans always support matchups that deliver action and drama. Merab vs Yan has everything fans look for:
- Personal rivalry
- Competitive fights
- High-level technical skill
- Unpredictable results
- Strong stories behind both fighters
When a fight checks all these boxes, it becomes more than just another matchup—
it becomes a must-see trilogy.
What UFC Might Be Thinking
The UFC matchmakers consider three things:
- What fans want
- What sells pay-per-views
- What makes sense for the division
Merab vs Yan 3 matches all three perfectly. This fight is big enough for a PPV main event or co-main event. It’s also a title fight that feels deserved, not forced.
The storyline is natural, the fighters are stars, and the rivalry is already established.
Will the Trilogy Happen?
Looking at everything the rivalry, the division, the skill level, and the fan reaction—the trilogy fight is extremely possible.
Here’s why:
- The record is 1–1
- Both are elite contenders
- Both have huge fan followings
- UFC needs big bantamweight title fights
- The storyline is already perfect
The only thing UFC needs to do is decide the right timing.
Final Thoughts
The rematch Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan at UFC 323 gave fans everything they were hoping for—action, drama, skill, and a surprising result.
Petr Yan reclaimed the bantamweight championship, but he didn’t do it easily. Merab pushed him in every round, proving that he belongs among the very best fighters in the world.
With both men holding one win each, the rivalry is far from over. In fact, it may be just getting started.
Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan 3 is not only possible, it’s the fight the division deserves.
A trilogy would settle the rivalry, give the UFC a massive title fight, and finally answer the question:
Who is the true king of the bantamweight division?
- Fans want it.
- The fighters deserve it.
- And the UFC knows it would be a blockbuster.
Until it happens, the anticipation will only grow.
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