Dana White didn’t assume a lot of Merab Dvalishvili.
After three profitable title defenses in 2025 and a fourth already lined up earlier than the tip of the 12 months, Dvalishvili is rapidly establishing himself as the best bantamweight in UFC historical past.
However there was a time when White thought little or no of ‘The Machine.’
“It took me a minute to heat as much as Merab,” White stated following Tuesday’s episode of DWCS. “I’m very heat now. I like that mentality — he desires to be the primary man to defend his title that many occasions in a 12 months. What he’s accomplished, how he’s confirmed himself as a champion — it’s spectacular.”
Not even two weeks faraway from his dominant protection towards Cory Sandhagen, Dvalishvili is gearing up for one more battle. This time, it’ll come by way of a extremely anticipated rematch towards No. 2 ranked contender Petr Yan. The 2 will headline UFC 323 when the promotion closes out its pay-per-view scheduled in Las Vegas on December 6.
Dvalishvili able to run it again with Yan
Dvalishvili already holds a win over Yan, defeating ‘No Mercy’ in 2023. Since then, Yan has gained three in a row, besting Tune Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo, and Marcus McGhee, reearning his spot close to the highest of the burden class.
“It’s gonna be battle,” Dvalishvili stated on The Ariel Helwani Present. “He’s a former champion. He has loads of wins within the UFC. It’s gonna be a enjoyable battle, and I’m taking fast turnaround. It’s good, I’m busy, and I’m keen to battle additionally in March. February might be in Australia, I don’t assume they gonna give me this. In March can be realistically.”
“I’m fantastic with him,” Dvalishvili stated. “As a fighter, I give him a lot respect. Additionally, as a household man, he has a good looking household, 5 youngsters, and he’s father. Good for him, God bless him. Hopefully, he’s a greater individual now.”
