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Islam Makhachev delivers post-UFC 323 message to dethroned Merab Dvalishvili

Originally posted on HITC | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Dec 7, 2025 10:51 AM ET

The UFC saw a major title shift over the weekend, with one of the most impressive championship runs coming to an end.

Merab Dvalishvili stepped into UFC 323 hoping to become the first fighter to defend a title four times in a single year, but his plans were derailed by Petr Yan.

The pair had faced off before, with Dvalishvili getting the win back in 2023. This time around, though, it was Yan who came out on top in front of a stunned T-Mobile Arena crowd on December 6.

Yan’s performance did not just bring him redemption. It also put him back at the top of the division. The result even caught the attention of Islam Makhachev, who gave the Russian credit for his efforts inside the Octagon.

Islam Makhachev responds to Petr Yan’s stunning title win over Dvalishvili

There were some who viewed Dvalishvili as a serious contender in the pound-for-pound conversation, and Makhachev has spoken highly of him in the past.

The Dagestani, now holding the welterweight title, commented on the Georgian star’s defeat at UFC 323 through social media, offering encouragement to the former champion.

Makhachev posted on X: “Merab, you are one of the greatest to ever step into this cage.”

He also congratulated Yan for his return to the top of the bantamweight division, more than four years after losing his title via disqualification against Aljamain Sterling.

“Congratulations. Petya you deserve it #UFC323.”

Merab, you are one of the greatest to ever step into this cage. Congratulations. Petya you deserve it #UFC323
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) December 7, 2025

Merab Dvalishvili’s UFC 323 defeat keeps Islam Makhachev’s record intact

Despite his praise for ‘The Machine’, Makhachev might have felt some relief after Yan snapped the Georgian’s winning streak in Las Vegas.

Heading into what would have been his fourth title defence of 2025, Dvalishvili spoke about closing in on a significant milestone.

Dvalishvili was eyeing a run at Makhachev’s record for the longest winning streak in UFC history. The Dagestani now shares that honour with Anderson Silva, both sitting on 16 straight wins following his recent welterweight title victory.

A win at UFC 323 would have pushed Dvalishvili to 15 consecutive victories, just one short of matching Makhachev. But Petr Yan stopped that pursuit by ending the streak at 14.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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