\n<\/p>\n
Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is in camp for the Petr Yan trilogy, and this time \u201cThe Machine\u201d is not training the way he usually does and has changed his approach.<\/p>\n
Dvalishvili was dethroned last year at UFC 323 when he ran it back with Yan. The Russian fighter found a way to counter the Georgian fighter\u2019s relentless pressure, stopped several takedowns, and also scored his own. <\/p>\n
Merab Dvalishvili Nearly Quit Petr Yan Fight Mid-Camp. [Image via UFC]<\/p>\n
By Round 5, Dvalishvili\u2019s face was a bloody mess. His nose was busted open after Yan punished him with crisp jabs and solid counters. Yan also repeatedly hurt Dvalishvili with several hard liver kicks. After 25 minutes of nonstop action, Yan dethroned the Georgian by unanimous decision.<\/p>\n
The UFC brass promised \u201cThe Machine\u201d an immediate title rematch, as he had successfully defended his title 3 times in 2025, and at UFC 323, although he failed to retain the strap, he put on an incredible fight. Given how dominant and active a champion he was, he deserves an immediate rematch. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe Machine\u201d has been sitting ready for months to run it back with Yan. However, the current and two-time bantamweight titleholder had to undergo lower back surgery earlier this year, and therefore the trilogy bout got delayed. But now, things are looking promising. Yan is back in the gym, and the 35-year-old former champ is also in training camp, and fight news is expected real soon.<\/p>\n
Earlier today, while sending a warning to Petr Yan, Merab Dvalishvili revealed what he is doing differently this time in camp to dethrone Yan.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast time when I fought Petr, I was working hard. This time, I\u2019m working smart. I\u2019m going to get a different result, and I\u2019m going to take my belt back and continue a good life and stay busy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Check out Merab Dvalishvili\u2019s comments below:<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThe Machine\u201d has also hired a new wrestling coach before his comeback bout.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc40Merab Dvalishvili has added a new wrestling coach to his training camp in preparation for his trilogy fight against Petr Yan!<\/p>\n “The last time I fought Petr, I was working hard. This time, I’m working smart. That’s what I need, and I think it’s going to make a big difference.\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/MHAfmXDsqD<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 MMA Pros Pick (@MMA_PROS_PICK_) August 3, 2026<\/p>\n Merab Dvalishvili\u2019s camp has previously opined that last year, since \u201cThe Machine\u201d wanted to become the first fighter to defend his UFC title four times in a year, he was getting ready to fight anyone and everyone and did not train for Yan specifically before UFC 323, which was a mistake.<\/p>\n His coach, on the other hand, believes that \u2018Merab just needs to be Merab this time\u2019 in order to win the title back.<\/p>\n Additionally, Dvalishvili\u2019s longtime friend, former champion Aljamain Sterling, believes that since the UFC 323 co-main event between Alexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van ended in just af few seconds due to Pantoja\u2019s freak arm injury, \u201cThe Machine\u201d did not get ample time to warm up before entering the octagon, which could have been a reason why he did not perform the way he usually does.<\/p>\n The Georgian cardio king has meanwhile claimed that before the second Yan bout, he had a knee injury but refused to pull out.<\/p>\n Check out Merab Dvalishvili\u2019s comments below:<\/em><\/p>\n \ud83d\ude33\ud83e\udd2f Merab reveals he had a knee injury before the 2nd Petr Yan fight:<\/p>\n “Last Petr Yan fight, I had a knee injury. A UFC doctor called me and told me I could pull out of the fight. I told them, ‘Please don’t tell anyone that I have a knee injury.’ And I kept the secret. So, for\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/eYllhiBmzj<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Full Mount MMA (@MMAFullMount) July 24, 2026<\/p>\n