Merab Dvalishvili Eyes Summer Trilogy With Petr Yan to Reclaim Bantamweight Gold

Former champ Merab Dvalishvili eyes a summer return against Petr Yan. After losing his title at UFC 323, "The Machine" seeks a trilogy to reclaim the belt.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 11, 2026, 6:56 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from MMA Junkie, UFC, and Real American Freestyle.

A Quest to Settle the Score in a High-Stakes Rubber Match

The rivalry between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan appears destined for a third and final chapter as both fighters recover from recent physical setbacks. Dvalishvili, who successfully defended his title multiple times before losing it to Yan at UFC 323 in Las Vegas, is pushing for a summer showdown to break their current 1-1 series tie. After a frenetic 2025 campaign that saw him compete four times, the Georgian standout believes a brief hiatus to heal a broken nose will allow him to return with the necessary intensity to regain the 135-pound throne.

Refining the Mental Approach Following Title Loss

In reflecting on his recent defeat, Dvalishvili noted that a shift in his mental preparation may have been a contributing factor to his performance. He admitted to being "too focused" and rigid during the UFC 323 headliner, moving away from the lighthearted and joyful demeanor that typically characterizes his best performances. By prioritizing "fun" and his natural personality in his next camp, Dvalishvili expects to replicate the relentless wrestling pressure that famously stifled Yan during their first encounter in 2023.

Navigating the Injury Recovery Timeline

Both athletes are currently sidelined, making a summer return the most realistic window for the championship bout. While Dvalishvili manages a nasal fracture, the champion Petr Yan is recovering from a minor back surgery intended to address long-standing mobility issues. This synchronicity in their recovery periods has paved the way for the UFC to potentially book the trilogy as a tentpole event for the 2026 summer schedule, ensuring both bantamweights are at full strength for the series decider.