Dana White did not assume a lot of Merab Dvalishvili.
With three profitable title defenses in 2025 and a fourth already scheduled for the top of the 12 months, Dvalishvili is shortly establishing himself as the very best bantamweight in UFC historical past.
However there was a time when White thought little about The Machine.
“It took me a minute to get used to Merab,” White mentioned after Tuesday’s episode of DWCS. “It’s totally heat proper now. I really like that mentality. He needs to be the primary man to defend his title a number of instances in a 12 months. What he is finished and the way he is confirmed himself as a champion is spectacular.”
Lower than two weeks after his dominant protection in opposition to Cory Sandhagen, Dvalishvili is gearing up for his subsequent struggle. This time, it will likely be a long-awaited rematch with Petr Yan, who ranks second within the rankings. The 2 will headline UFC 323 when the pay-per-view promotion concludes, scheduled for Dec. 6 in Las Vegas.
Dvalishvili and Jan prepared for counterattack
Dvalishvili already has a win over Yan, defeating “No Mercy” in 2023. Since then, Yan has gained three straight, defeating Tune Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo and Marcus McGee, re-establishing himself close to the highest of the division.
“It is going to be a superb struggle,” Dvalishvili mentioned on the Ariel Helwani Present. “He is a former champion. He is received numerous wins within the UFC. It is going to be a enjoyable struggle and I will bounce again shortly, which is sweet. I am busy and I will struggle in March as nicely. February is Australia, however I do not assume they’ll give me this. Realistically it’ll be March.”
“I am superb with him,” Dvalishvili mentioned. “As a fighter, I’ve numerous respect for him. And as a household man, he has a stupendous household and 5 youngsters and is an efficient father. Good for him. God bless him. Hopefully he is a greater particular person now.”
