UFC legend believes Petr Yan beating Merab Dvalishvili is ‘very possible’ with one ‘simple’ change

While ‘The Dominator’ said during an appearance on The Bohnfire that the challenger was taken down 50 times in his loss to Dvalishvili, he was seemingly referring to attempts instead.

“Just get taken down ten times instead of 50 and you’ll probably win. Think about that for a second, it’s really that simple. Cut 40 takedowns off, is that possible for Petr Yan? I think it’s very possible.”

The UFC legend went on to speak about how the challenger was susceptible to constant takedown attempts because he fights on a straight line, urging him to use more side to side movement in their upcoming rematch.

“This is what he [Dvalishvili] does so if you’re Petr Yan, what do you got to do?” Cruz continued. “Well, if I just get it to 10 takedowns instead of 50, I already gave myself a 40% better chance.”

Dominick Cruz is still ahead of Merab Dvalishvili in bantamweight title defenses

Merab Dvalishvili has proven time and time again that discouraging him from shooting for takedowns is seemingly impossible.

He doesn’t change his bulldozer-like approach opponent regardless of who is he facing, and that hasn’t led to his remarkable 14-fight win streak ending.

Is Merab Dvalishvili the greatest bantamweight of all time?

While many believe that Dvalishvili has already proven himself to be the greatest bantamweight of all time, Dominick Cruz, who is also in the conversation, still has an edge over ‘The Machine’ in one area.

“I don’t think it’s really for me to talk about because I’m in the debate, so it’s hard,” Cruz said on The Bohnfire. “I’ll just say that I think it’s up to the fans and he’s beating a record, so I’ll give him that, but I think I have six total title defenses (actually five, one in the UFC and four in the WEC).

“That would mean he’d need another three and let me tell you how hard it is to win three titles. I think that matters.”