Petr Yan's highly anticipated trilogy fight with Merab Dvalishvili is on hold due to medical and personal reasons.
What happened?
Merab Dvalishvili recalled a conversation with Hunter Campbell, where he was told to take his time and heal up after losing to Petr Yan in December.
Dvalishvili was ready to fight again, but Yan had other plans, including a small surgery and a vacation.
Why it matters for Petr Yan
Petr Yan's delay has sparked speculation about his readiness to fight, with some wondering if he's taking too much time off.
Dvalishvili brushed off concerns that he might be passed over for another contender, stating that the UFC told him there would be no interim belts in the weight class.
What comes next?
Merab Dvalishvili is eager to fight Petr Yan again, and he's hoping that the Russian athlete will return to the octagon soon.
As of May 31, 2026, Dvalishvili has a record of 21-5 MMA, 14-3 UFC, while Petr Yan stands at 20-5 MMA, 12-4 UFC.
Dvalishvili's last fight was at RAF 9, where he was asked about his next matchup.
He expressed his desire to fight the best guy, which he believes is Petr Yan.
The UFC has not announced a date for the trilogy fight, leaving fans waiting for an update.
Petr Yan's return to the octagon is highly anticipated, and his matchup with Merab Dvalishvili is expected to be a thrilling one.
Dvalishvili's determination to fight the best is admirable, and his focus on Petr Yan is unwavering.
The delay in the trilogy fight has only added to the excitement, and fans are eager to see the two athletes face off again.