Merab Dvalishvili Eyes Quick Turnaround After UFC 320, Targets Petr Yan Rematch

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili isn’t looking to slow down anytime soon. With his third title defense of 2025 scheduled against Cory Sandhagen on Oct. 4 at UFC 320 in Las Vegas, “The Machine” is already plotting one more fight before the year is out.

Dvalishvili Wants December Return

Speaking on the Full Send Podcast, the champ laid out his intentions:

“I don’t overlook Cory Sandhagen. It’s going to be a tough fight. But God willing, I’m going to do my best to win this fight, and if I win, I want a quick turnaround and I want to fight in December or even November. I don’t care. Petr Yan is the clear contender right now. He deserves it. I don’t want to make him wait too long.”

History With Yan

Dvalishvili (20-4 MMA, 13-2 UFC) already owns a dominant victory over Petr Yan (19-5 MMA, 11-4 UFC), earned in March 2023 after attempting a record-breaking 49 takedowns in a smothering decision win. But he admits that bout was one of the most difficult to prepare for.

“Every fight I have a different plan, but against Petr Yan, I didn’t have a plan… He has good takedown defense, he’s a great striker, and he’s a dog. I was scratching my head. Then the day before, at weigh-ins, he pushed me. My mind opened. I thought, ‘I’m going to teach you.’”

Fighting Spirit

At 34, Dvalishvili says his mindset is simple: stay active, keep winning, and push his limits.

“My goal is to just do my best, fight as much as I can, and win as much as I can. I want more wins and more fights. My goal is to fight until I’m 50 years old in the UFC. I hope I can be champion at that time, but it’s impossible. I’m 34 now. Sixteen more years staying champion it’s impossible.”

Future Expectations

For now, Dvalishvili’s focus is firmly on Sandhagen (18-5 MMA, 11-4 UFC), who brings his own well-rounded skillset and reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in the division. If “The Machine” gets past him, however, a high-stakes rematch with Yan could be next and sooner rather than later.