Yan Closes Out Trilogy With Hard-Fought Victory in Abu Dhabi
At UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi, bantamweight champion Petr Yan successfully defended his title in the concluding chapter of his trilogy against Merab Dvalishvili.
Weathering the Early Storm in the Championship Rounds
Reflecting on the grueling contest, Yan noted the tactical blueprint required absorbing heavy early pressure before turning the tide in the championship rounds. The strategy hinged on weathering Dvalishvili’s relentless pace during the opening frames, banking on the exhaustion that inevitably follows sustained offensive output.
I am very glad that this trilogy ended in my favor,
Yan told reporters at the post-event press conference. This is a long story that obliged me to work harder in order to show a result.
Yan Views Pressure as a Way to Shine
The champion elaborated on the psychological and physical strain of the bout, comparing the championship environment to the extreme conditions required to form precious stones. That philosophy dictated his approach to the challenger’s relentless output from the opening bell.
As I said recently, diamonds are born under the highest pressure, and this was pressure under which you can break, or you can shine,
Yan said. Today I wanted to shine.
UFC 333 results: Petr Yan thwarts Merab Dvalishvili in trilogy with masterful performance to retain title https://t.co/qrPG1e3zyP
Despite securing the trilogy victory, Yan did not dismiss the possibility of sharing the Octagon with the Georgian contender once more, provided the organization’s matchmakers see value in booking a fourth fight while both athletes remain active on the roster.
Regarding the fourth fight, I think everything has a place to be as long as we are alive,
Yan explained. If the matchmaking while we are in the organization is interested in this and organizes this confrontation, then of course, I will not say no. Just gas!
Weighing a Historic Connection Against Bantamweight Contenders
Beyond the immediate division, conversation quickly turned to a potential champion-versus-champion superfight against featherweight titleholder Alexander Volkanovski. Volkanovski successfully defended his belt earlier in the evening by stopping Movsar Evloev via technical knockout in the second round of the night’s main event.
Yan and Volkanovski share a history that dates back more than a decade, having trained and crossed paths in Thailand starting in 2014. While the mutual respect exists, the bantamweight kingpin insists his immediate focus remains fixed on clearing out contenders in his own weight class.
ONE. FINAL. TIME.Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili 3@VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi [ #UFC333 | LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/W9x1LgGibQ
As for the change of weight category and the fight with Alex Volkanovski, honestly, I haven’t thought about it yet, but everything is possible,
Yan stated. We trained for a long time, starting back in 2014, often crossed paths in Thailand. Cool story. If there was interest from the parties, then it could be considered. But at the moment I still have work to do in the division, so we will still make some noise.
Wardrobe Adjustments Under the Bright Lights
Keen observers also noted wardrobe adjustments throughout the five-round battle, prompting the champion to clarify minor issues with his fight-night attire. The design featured a national flag request, though adjustments to the waistband left the garment slightly loose.
The shorts are not bad. I wanted the flag to be there, but they went a little overboard with the elastic band — they were a little too big for me, and I was afraid they would get lost somewhere on a turn,
Yan joked.
