Petr Yan Is Not Easy For Merab Dvalishvili

The bantamweight division has always been one of the toughest divisions in the UFC but Merab Dvalishvili is king there.

Every fighter in the top five has championship-level skills, and even the slightest mistake can cost the belt. Right now, Merab Dvalishvili stands at the peak of this division.

He is the current bantamweight champion and has built a reputation as one of the most relentless fighters in the UFC.

But at UFC 323, he faces a familiar opponent—Petr Yan. And one thing is clear: Petr Yan is not an easy fight for Merab, no matter how dominant Merab has looked recently.

This matchup is not just a title fight. It is a rematch that carries history, risk, pressure, and high stakes for both fighters.

Merab is trying to prove he is truly the best bantamweight fighter in the world. Petr Yan is trying to reclaim what was once his—UFC gold.

Let’s look deeper into why this fight is far more competitive than people think and why Petr Yan is still a dangerous threat despite Merab’s unstoppable run.

Merab Dvalishvili: The Bantamweight Machine

Merab Dvalishvili’s rise to the top has been nothing short of incredible. He is not a fighter who relies on one big punch or one special submission.

Instead, he breaks his opponents with endless pressure, strong cardio, non-stop wrestling attempts, and durability that few fighters can match.

Recent Wins That Built His Dominance

Merab has beaten some of the biggest names in the division, and he hasn’t just won—he has dominated.

• Umar Nurmagomedov: Known as one of the most technical and complete fighters in the division, Umar was considered a future champion. Yet Merab controlled the pace, neutralized the striking, and made the fight look one-sided.
• Sean O’Malley: The former champion and one of the most precise strikers in MMA struggled to create distance against Merab. Merab’s wrestling pressure and physical strength shut down O’Malley’s biggest weapons.
• Cory Sandhagen: Sandhagen is one of the most creative strikers in the UFC. Many thought he could give Merab trouble. Instead, Merab’s pace broke him down, and the fight slowly tilted completely in Merab’s favor.

These victories made Merab look unbeatable. His confidence, cardio, and rhythm in the Octagon make him a nightmare matchup for almost anyone.

But even with all this momentum, Petr Yan is different.

Petr Yan: The Most Technical Bantamweight Striker in UFC History

Petr Yan’s career has been full of highs and lows, but one thing has never changed—his skill level.

Many analysts still consider him the most technically sound striker the bantamweight division has ever seen.

Yan’s boxing combinations, footwork, defensive awareness, and timing allow him to compete with anyone in the world.

Why Petr Yan Is Still Dangerous

Even though he went through a rough period with close losses, controversial decisions, and setbacks, Petr Yan never looked like a fighter who was declining. Instead, he looked like someone adjusting to new styles, making improvements, and fixing weaknesses.

Today, Yan appears sharper and more focused than he has in years. Reports from his training camp show:

• Improved wrestling defense
• Faster and cleaner striking combinations
• Better cage management
• Stronger physical conditioning

When Petr Yan is focused, he becomes a complete fighter—not just a striker.

He can wrestle, defend takedowns, mix clinches, and pressure forward. This is why Merab cannot take him lightly.

The First Fight: Petr Yan Was Close to Beating Merab

In their first meeting, Merab got the win, but the fight was far closer than the scorecards suggested.

Petr Yan had moments when he clipped Merab, landed sharp counters, and stuffed several takedowns. Even though Merab won, Yan was never outclassed.

What We Learned From Their First Clash

1. Yan can hurt Merab with clean shots
   When Merab rushed in aggressively, Yan’s counters landed hard. If those moments happen again, the fight could change instantly.
2. Merab struggled in certain striking exchanges
   Yan’s accuracy caused Merab to hesitate at times.
3. Yan’s takedown defense held strong early
   Merab eventually overwhelmed him with volume, but Yan stopped many early attempts, showing that he can adjust to Merab’s style.
4. Yan didn’t fade easily
   Even under Merab’s pressure, Yan stayed dangerous. Few fighters can survive Merab’s pace like that.

These points matter even more now because Yan has improved since then.

Petr Yan’s Improvements Ahead of the Rematch

Ahead of UFC 323, multiple fighters and coaches have noted that Petr Yan looks better than he did earlier in his career. He appears faster, sharper, and more disciplined.

Better Striking Timing

Yan has fine-tuned his timing. His jab is cleaner, his combinations flow smoothly, and his counters land with more precision.

Stronger Wrestling Defense

This improvement is crucial against Merab. If Yan can keep the fight standing longer, he increases his chances dramatically.

Smarter Fight IQ

Yan has always had elite fight IQ, but he has worked on making decisions without waiting too long—something he struggled with previously.

Improved Conditioning

Merab’s pace is unmatched, but Yan has worked heavily on conditioning to avoid fading in the later rounds.

Because of these improvements, this rematch is far more competitive than many people think.

Why Merab Still Holds the Advantage

Even with all the improvements Petr Yan has made, Merab Dvalishvili is still the favorite. His current form is simply too strong to ignore.

His Pressure Is Different

Merab’s style is built on chaos. He forces the opponent to fight at a pace they are not used to. Even fighters with great cardio eventually slow down.

Wrestling Volume That Breaks Fighters

Merab does not rely on one takedown or one control position. He attempts takedown after takedown, giving opponents no time to set a rhythm.

Iron Chin and Durability

Merab has taken clean shots from dangerous strikers and still kept pushing forward.

Championship Confidence

Being a champion changes fighters. It gives them confidence and clarity. Merab enters this fight knowing he already beat Yan once and is coming off huge wins.

That’s why analysts give the fight:

• 70% chance to Merab Dvalishvili
• 30% chance to Petr Yan**

But the 30% is powerful. It’s enough to change everything.

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How Petr Yan Can Win This Fight

Make no mistake—Petr Yan can win. And he can win in spectacular fashion.

Catch Merab With a Clean Combination

Merab tends to enter with pressure that sometimes leaves openings. If Yan connects his signature combinations—a clean uppercut, a left hook, or a counter straight—he can hurt Merab badly.

Keep the Fight Standing

The longer the fight stays standing, the more Yan’s chances grow. Even one round where Yan dominates the striking could shift momentum.

Defensive Footwork and Angles

Yan needs to avoid being trapped against the cage. If he can circle and create angles, Merab will have a harder time initiating takedowns.

Exploit Merab’s Entry Timing

Yan’s counter-striking is world-class. If he times Merab’s entries correctly, he could finish the fight.

A knockout win is not impossible. In fact, if Yan pulls the upset, it will likely be by catching Merab with a clean shot.

How Merab Can Win This Fight

Merab’s path to victory is simple but difficult to stop.

Constant Pressure

Merab must apply non-stop pressure. If Yan is forced to move backward constantly, he cannot set up combinations.

Chain Wrestling

Even if one takedown fails, Merab must keep pushing. Yan tires out faster when he is forced to defend repeatedly.

Use Clinch Work

Merab’s clinch control against the fence drains opponents. He can slow Yan’s movement and force scrambles.

Mix Striking With Level Changes

• If Merab mixes jab feints with takedown attempts, Yan won’t get comfortable.
• If Merab executes this game plan, he likely retains his title.

What Makes This Rematch So Special

A great title fight is built on more than skill. It needs history, rivalry, and purpose. This fight has all three.

The First Fight Was Close

Even though Merab won, Yan showed moments of threat. Fans want to see what happens when both fighters enter with better game plans.

Yan Wants His Belt Back

Losing the title affected him deeply. This fight represents his chance for redemption.

Merab Wants To Shut Down All Doubts

Critics believe Yan is his toughest opponent. Beating him again would silence everyone.

The Division Needs Clarity

With so many contenders in the division, this fight decides the next chapter at bantamweight.

Prediction: Who Wins at UFC 323?

Predicting a fight like this is difficult because both fighters are elite. But based on current momentum:

• Merab has the cardio edge
• Merab has the wrestling advantage
• Merab has the championship mentality

This gives him a slight advantage. However, Petr Yan’s improved striking, faster combinations, and technical skills make him a real threat.

Final Prediction

Merab Dvalishvili wins by unanimous decision — but the fight will be far tougher than their first meeting.

Still, do not underestimate Petr Yan. If he lands clean, he can knock out anyone at bantamweight. One perfect combination can shift the entire fight.

Conclusion

The UFC 323 main event between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan is one of the most exciting bantamweight title fights in years.

Merab looks unstoppable, and his resume proves that he is the best bantamweight in the world right now.

But Petr Yan is not just another opponent. He is a former champion with world-class striking, improved wrestling, and a hunger to prove himself again.

Yes, Merab has a higher chance to win about 70%. But that remaining 30% is deadly because of how skilled Petr Yan is.

This is MMA, and anything can happen. One mistake, one counter shot, or one perfectly timed combination can change the entire fight.

Fans should prepare for a high-pressure battle, fast scrambles, heavy exchanges, and a rematch that could be even better than their first fight.

One thing is certain:
Petr Yan is not an easy opponent for Merab Dvalishvili. And at UFC 323, the world will see just how close this matchup truly is.