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 top of the yr, Dvalishvili is shortly 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 mentioned following Tuesday’s episode of DWCS. “I’m very heat now. I really like that mentality — he desires to be the primary man to defend his title that many instances in a yr. What he’s executed, how he’s confirmed himself as a champion — it’s spectacular.”
Not even two weeks faraway from his dominant defense against Cory Sandhagen, Dvalishvili is gearing up for an additional battle. This time, it’ll come by way of a extremely anticipated rematch in opposition to 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 Music Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo, and Marcus McGhee, reearning his spot close to the highest of the load class.
“It’s gonna be a great battle,” Dvalishvili mentioned on The Ariel Helwani Show. “He’s a former champion. He has numerous 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 can be in Australia, I don’t assume they gonna give me this. In March could be realistically.”
“I’m positive with him,” Dvalishvili mentioned. “As a fighter, I give him a lot respect. Additionally, as a household man, he has an attractive household, 5 children, and he’s a great father. Good for him, God bless him. Hopefully, he’s a greater individual now.”
