Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili 3: UFC 333 Trilogy Preview and Prediction

Some rivalries refuse to end quietly. Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili 3 takes place at UFC 333 on October 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, with the bantamweight title on the line. After ten rounds of cage time split evenly between them, this bantamweight trilogy will finally decide who owns the rivalry. It shares a card with Volkanovski vs Evloev for the featherweight belt, making UFC 333 a double title night.

How the Rivalry Got Here

The two men have already traded victories. Dvalishvili won their first meeting, and Yan answered by taking a unanimous decision at UFC 323 in December 2025 to reclaim the undisputed title. Across ten rounds, each fighter has a win, and neither has been able to establish clear dominance. That balance is exactly why the third fight matters so much: it is not only about the belt, but about who gets to say the rivalry is settled.

Why “Yan Island” Matters

Ahead of the fight, the champion has revived a playful nickname, suggesting that Yas Island should be renamed “Yan Island.” There is history behind the joke. Yan won the undisputed bantamweight title against José Aldo at UFC 251 in 2020, then beat Cory Sandhagen for the interim belt at UFC 267 in 2021, and both events took place on Yas Island, as noted by MMA Sucka. Familiar surroundings and a confident camp could be a real psychological advantage.

Merab’s Pressure vs Yan’s Counters

Stylistically, this is a classic clash. Dvalishvili is known for relentless forward pressure and wrestling, a combination that gave Yan plenty of trouble in their first fight. Yan, for his part, does not see pressure as a nuisance. He summed up his mindset by saying diamonds are made under pressure, which tells you he is treating the trilogy as a test of how much he has improved.

For a closer look at the challenger’s mindset, check MMA News’ report on Merab’s plans ahead of the trilogy.

What to Watch for in the Trilogy

• Takedown defense: Yan must stay off the fence and punish entries with sharp counters.
• Volume and pace: Dvalishvili’s cardio is a weapon, so Yan has to win the early exchanges.
• Clinch exchanges: Small positional battles against the cage can decide close rounds.
• Championship rounds: A fresh Yan in rounds four and five changes the entire scorecard.

Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili 3 Prediction

With one win each, the trilogy is difficult to separate. The champion carries momentum from the last fight, a title in hand and a venue he knows well. Dvalishvili, however, has the type of engine that can drag any opponent into deep water. Our lean is a tight decision for the bantamweight champion, provided Yan keeps his feet moving and avoids long stretches against the fence. If Merab establishes control early, though, a third result in his favor would not be surprising.

The Bigger Picture for Bantamweight

The trilogy also matters because the 135-pound division has been shaped by these two men for years. Every contender in the rankings is watching, since the winner will set the standard for the next challenger. A decisive victory would end the debate for now, while another close fight could push the UFC to consider a fourth meeting. Either way, the result will influence matchmaking well into 2027, and fans should expect a tactical, high-pace contest rather than a quick finish.

What a Win Means for the Division

The winner will own the strongest claim on the 135-pound throne heading into 2027, while the loser faces a long road back. Keep an eye on the wider calendar too: our UFC 335 fight card and UFC 334 preview shows what else is coming before the year ends. For more fight-week coverage, return to OnlineUFC, and remember that Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili 3 is the fight that could define the division for months.