Merab Dvalishvili has returned to training camp to prepare for his upcoming trilogy bout with Petr Yan, tentatively planned — but not yet confirmed — for UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on October 24.
Dvalishvili and Yan have fought twice before, in March 2023, and then a second time in December, 2025.
Georgian wrestler Dvalishvili dominated their first meeting with 147 strikes landed, compared to Yan’s 75. He also scored 11 takedowns to earn a unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards.
In the rematch, though, it was a case of revenge rather than repeat with Yan flipping the rivalry, bringing it to one win apiece, thanks to a decision win of his own.
Speaking Monday, Dvalishvili said he’s changing his approach.
“Today’s training camp was very good because we worked on some positions, and this is pretty much how I’m going to work against Petr. This feels like a real training camp for me. We talk a lot. Training smart. This is what I need. Last time when I fought Petr, I was working hard. This time, I work smart. That’s what I need. I’m going to get a different result, and I’m going to take my belt back.”
Dvalishvili has not fought since the loss — his first since 2018.
If the third Yan vs Dvalishvili fight does land in Abu Dhabi, it will join an already announced fight — Alexander Volkanovski vs Movsar Evloev for the Australian fighter’s UFC featherweight championship.