Merab Dvalishvili is aiming for a trilogy bout when he returns to the Octagon. The Georgian fighter, who recently lost his title at UFC 323 in Las Vegas, is set to enter 2026 as a top contender. In a hard-fought five-round battle at the T-Mobile Arena, Dvalishvili was defeated by Petr Yan, who regained the bantamweight championship, marking the start of his second reign as champ.
Many expect the next challenger for Yan, dubbed “No Mercy,” to be Dvalishvili once again. However, former UFC champion Daniel Cormier believes a strong showing by another contender at UFC 324 could change the landscape. Cormier hinted that if Sean O’Malley defeats Song Yadong in January, the UFC might favor a Yan-O’Malley rematch over giving Dvalishvili an immediate title shot, despite Dvalishvili’s impressive four title defenses in 2025. Cormier emphasized O’Malley’s star power and the business appeal of that potential matchup.
Despite these speculations, Dvalishvili says the UFC has promised him a rematch whenever he’s ready. He revealed that the promotion told him to rest and assured him that his next fight would be a title shot against Yan. Yan, on the other hand, has dismissed the idea of a rematch with Dvalishvili, suggesting the Georgian should instead face Umar Nurmagomedov in a title eliminator.
Fan Take: This news highlights the delicate balance between merit and marketability in MMA matchmaking. While Dvalishvili’s tenacity and record make him a deserving contender, the UFC’s inclination to prioritize star power like O’Malley could shape the division’s future and impact how titles are contested. Fighting fans should watch closely as these decisions influence both competition integrity and entertainment value in the sport.
