UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is looking to make history at UFC 323 this weekend, as he attempts to become the first champ in the promotion’s history to defend his title four times in a calendar year.
The fight comes against Petr Yan, who Dvalishvili has already defeated once previously. In a sense, Merab is lapping the 135lb division, but the busy schedule is by design, he explained during Wednesday’s UFC 323 media day.
“That was my goal, to be busy this year. Thank you UFC to make this one happen, because I was willing to fight four times this year, and it’s happening. Here we are in Fight Week, today is Wednesday. All I have to do is make weight, and be happy after.”
Dvalishvili admits that his weight cuts are “never easy,” but added that he’s felt worse on Wednesdays, whereas “today, I’m good.”
Saturday’s showdown with Yan comes after Dvalishvili took the Russian ex-champ the distance the first time around. As to what might be different, “I’m looking for finishing,” stated Dvalishvili. “It’s going to be tough, because nobody ever finished him. But yeah, I want to win against him, another win, and of course it’s going to be a record, fourth fight, fought win this year and another win in the UFC. Every win is important for me, important for my country and my team.”
Past that, Merab Dvalishvili is bullish on where the bantamweight division is right now. He sees, in particular, two potential challengers separating themselves from the pack.
“I’m excited. [Aiemann] Zahabi is coming from a long winning streak, which is good. Song Yadong has a fight against Sean O’Malley. If Yadong wins somehow, of course I’m cheering for Sean O’Malley, but if Yadong wins, I’d like to fight him too. And then there are other guys then who have other fights too and if they win, I will have a next contender.”
While Song Yadong shares the UFC 323 card with Dvalishvili, Zahabi earned a win over Chito Vera at UFC Vancouver in October, and defeated ex-champ Jose Aldo prior to that while compiling a seven-fight win streak. Either way, it’s clear the champ has options.
That said, Dvalishvili is not taking his eye off the prize this Saturday. “First, I’m focusing on Petr Yan. I don’t want to overlook him. He’s a top challenger, not every fight goes the same way. One mistake can change everything, and I realize the danger from Petr Yan.”
Watch the full UFC 323 media day appearance by Merab Dvalishvili above. The bantamweight champ faces Petr Yan in the main event of UFC 323 in Las Vegas this Saturday, December 6, 2025.
