Seeking 'revenge,' former champion plans a trilogy for the UFC title as early as 2026; understand why.

Merab and Yan have a tense face-off at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Out of action since being dethroned by Petr yan In a rematch, nothing else matters anymore. Merab Dvalishvili who will compete for the bantamweight title (up to 61,2 kg.) again. However, he still doesn't know when that might happen. In an interview with 'The Ariel Helwani Show' last Wednesday (29), the former champion said he believes that the long-awaited trilogy with the Russian could happen at the beginning of the second half of the year.

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The fighter was honest in admitting he still has no idea when he will have the opportunity to compete against his tormentor again. However, he avoided controversy and made it clear that the choice of date should be up to his opponent, since he will be entering the fight as the challenger.

“If we were fighting in July, they would have already called us or announced it. I'm thinking maybe they're postponing it to August, but I'm ready now. I'm not the champion, and I can't call and pressure them. Petr has the belt and it's his choice when he wants to come back,” the Georgian stated.

Merab Dvalishvili is hoping the Petr yan trilogy fight will happen in August:

"If we were fighting in July, they would have already called us or announced it. I'm thinking maybe they're pushing for August, but I'm ready now.

I'm not the champion, and I can't call and push. Petr… pic.twitter.com/hIDoWRYZNQ

- Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 29, 2026

Dvalishvili and Yan competed in very different duels in the UFC.

Yan defeats Merab in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

The history of the clashes between Merab Dvalishvili e Petr yan This is one of the most unusual fights in Ultimate history, given the complete difference in the course of the two duels. In the first fight, the Georgian won by unanimous decision, controlling the Russian through physical dominance and numerous takedowns. However, the rematch presented a completely different scenario. Yan not only avoided his rival's grappling game but also punished him in the striking exchanges, ultimately winning with the help of the judges' scorecards.