Dvalishvili Reveals Difficult Weight Cut Ahead Of Yan Title Rematch

Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili said he still needs to cut another 11 pounds in just two days ahead of his title rematch against Petr Yan at UFC 333 on October 24.

Dvalishvili, who faces Yan in the co-main event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, provided an update on his weight cut on Wednesday. The Georgian said he has already lost approximately 15 pounds but must shed another 11 to make the 135-pound bantamweight limit at Friday’s official weigh-in.

Dvalishvili discussed limiting his water intake, eating small amounts of food and sweating to lose the remaining weight.

The 35-year-old nevertheless appeared optimistic about completing the cut ahead of his third meeting with Yan despite the seemingly significant amount of weight to still shed.

Dvalishvili and Yan have split their previous two encounters, with Yan now holding the bantamweight championship heading into their trilogy bout.

UFC 333 will be headlined by featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defending his title against Movsar Evloev.

5 kg Left. 5 კილო დამრჩა დასაკლები და 2 დღე აწონვებამდე. https://t.co/DxOyIKU0hh

— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) October 21, 2026