Merab Dvalishvili, the former UFC bantamweight champion, disclosed that medical professionals recommended he pull out of his highly anticipated rematch against Petr Yan at UFC 323. Despite the advice, “The Machine” was determined to compete.

Dvalishvili had already gone through three demanding weight cuts in 2025. Leading up to UFC 323, his physical condition was reportedly not optimal, and a fourth weight cut was deemed ill-advised for the then 34-year-old fighter. Furthermore, complications arose during his training camp, prompting UFC doctors to suggest he withdraw from the fight against Yan.

However, Dvalishvili, known for his resilience, disregarded the medical recommendations. In a recent interview, he stated, “I like to take challenges. I like to take risks. That’s what I am. That’s what got me here. I knew already. During the training camp [for UFC 323], there were some issues. UFC doctors told me that I can pull out. But that’s who I am. I do not want to make excuses. I like to deal with challenges. I had worse situations before some fights, and I still made it through and won.”

Although he ultimately lost the rematch, Dvalishvili demonstrated exceptional toughness, maintaining a relentless pace for all five rounds. He persistently pursued takedowns against Yan and even engaged in striking exchanges.

The UFC has already committed to granting him another title shot once Petr Yan is ready. The two fighters are expected to face each other for a third time in the third quarter of 2026, aiming to definitively settle their rivalry, which currently stands at one win apiece.

English Translation:

Merab Dvalishvili Nearly Quit Petr Yan Fight Mid-Camp

Doctors wanted Merab Dvalishvili to pull out of UFC 323. However, “The Machine” had other plans in mind.

Dvalishvili, the former UFC bantamweight champion, lost his title to Petr Yan in a rematch last year. That same year, he had successfully defended his belt three times. If Dvalishvili had managed to get past Yan again, he would have become the first champion in the promotion’s history to register 4 UFC successful title defenses in just 12 months.

Doctors Wanted Merab Dvalishvili to Withdraw from UFC 323

Merab Dvalishvili had undergone three weight cuts already in 2025. Before UFC 323, things did not look great, and a fourth weight cut wasn’t advised for the then 34-year-old Dvalishvili. There were also some issues in training camp due to which the UFC doctors wanted him to pull out of the Yan rematch.

However, “The Machine” did not listen. During a recent interview, he said: “I like to take challenges. I like to take risks. That’s what I am. That’s what got me here. I knew already. During the training camp [for UFC 323], there were some issues. UFC doctors told me that I can pull out. But that’s who I am. I do not want to make excuses. I like to deal with challenges. I had worse situations before some fights, and I still made it through and won.”

Despite falling short in the rematch, Dvalishvili pushed a relentless pace for five rounds, constantly hunting takedowns against Yan and even engaging in a slugfest.

The UFC has already promised him a title rematch once “No Mercy” is ready. The two are expected to run it back in the third quarter of 2026 and finally settle the score, with the rivalry now sitting at 1–1.