Merab Dvalishvili calls Petr Yan a liar in a fiery response to their ongoing rivalry
The tension between these two UFC stars shows no signs of cooling after a blockbuster clash that headlined UFC 323.
Merab Dvalishvili was defeated by Petr Yan in a thrilling bantamweight title showdown at the T-Mobile Arena, delivering a performance that surprised many given Yan’s underdog status entering the fight.
With each man now owning a win over the other, Dvalishvili has already signaled that Yan will be his next opponent when he’s ready to return to action.
Don’t expect the bad blood to fade simply because they shared the Octagon twice.
Latest update: Daniel Cormier weighed in with a perspective that the UFC could prioritize business considerations over Dvalishvili in pursuing a Petr Yan rematch, highlighting the ongoing debate about matchmaking decisions.
Are you surprised by how UFC 323’s main event unfolded between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan? Yan’s performance was a masterclass that dethroned the reigning challenger in Las Vegas, defying expectations and showcasing a flawless execution.
Petr Yan’s victory added fuel to the feud. After losing his title while aiming for a fourth consecutive defense in 2025, Yan argued that Dvalishvili didn’t deserve an immediate rematch, a stance that sparked further tension between the rivals.
The pre-fight dynamics were intense, with both fighters trading barbs on social media. Yan, usually stoic, appeared to extend well wishes before things heated up again, suggesting the animosity isn’t resolved.
Dvalishvili hasn’t held back, publicly challenging Yan and calling out what he claims are false statements from his rival. He accused Yan of orchestrating social media messages and questioned the sincerity of Yan’s publicly stated sentiments, signaling a forthcoming trilogy filled with provoke-and-counterprovoke moments.
This ongoing back-and-forth has fans debating whether Dvalishvili’s 2025 performance warrants an immediate title shot, given the belt’s exposure through a record four defenses that year.
Join the discussion: what are your thoughts on the Yan–Dvalishvili rivalry and the UFC’s approach to booking their next matchup? Share your take in the comments.
Notable public reaction: Joe Rogan described Yan’s performance as a true master class in a recent discussion, praising the display as a peak example of technique and preparation, while also noting the grueling nature of Yan’s training camp."
