UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili expressed surprise regarding the latest fight announcement for Petr Yan.
The bantamweight title is set to be contested for the second time this year as Merab Dvalishvili prepares to defend his championship against Sean O`Malley at UFC 316. This upcoming bout is an immediate rematch for O`Malley, who previously lost to Dvalishvili via decision at UFC 306.
Prior to O`Malley receiving the title opportunity, former champion and #2 ranked contender Petr Yan was also considered a potential challenger, following consecutive victories over Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo.
With the Dvalishvili vs. O`Malley rematch approaching, reports indicate that the UFC has scheduled Yan to face #13 ranked fighter Marcus McGhee, a teammate of Sean O`Malley, at an event in Abu Dhabi.
Dvalishvili mentioned a specific reason why he wasn`t expecting his previous opponent, Petr Yan, to fight again yet.
Dvalishvili Believed Yan Was Next in Line for a Title Shot
Commenting on Yan`s upcoming fight with McGhee, Dvalishvili stated that he believed Yan was next in line for a championship bout, citing a lack of other top contenders on significant winning streaks.
“It’s a tough test for Petr Yan,” Dvalishvili told Helen Yee.
“Wow… I thought he was fighting for the belt, and now he has to fight another contender.
“That means that our division is very stuck. It’s not easy to fight for the belt.”
“Good luck to him. Of course, I will be cheering for him. We fight, I always share support to the guy I fought. So, it’s gonna be a tough test for him, but I’m sure he will get it.”
Dvalishvili previously defeated Yan by unanimous decision in March 2023, dominating every round according to the judges.
Petr Yan had also been discussed as a potential first title defense for O`Malley if he were to defeat Dvalishvili at UFC 316.
Cory Sandhagen Identified as Potential Future Opponent by Dvalishvili
However, Petr Yan isn`t the only bantamweight fighter vying for a chance at the title.
#4 ranked contender Cory Sandhagen, who has won four of his last five bouts, has also been actively seeking a title shot, especially following his recent victory over Deiveson Figueiredo.
Regarding Sandhagen, Dvalishvili commented, “I think right now, Sandhagen is ready.”
“We never fought each other…”
“Maybe, I’m not sure,” Dvalishvili said of a potential fight with Sandhagen.
“Whatever the UFC will decide. Whatever UFC thinks the fresh guy and the most deserving guy [is], I will fight.”
