Merab Dvalishvili has made it clear that he wants only one fight next, and he’s willing to be patient to get it.
The former UFC bantamweight champion says he’s prepared to wait as long as necessary for a trilogy bout with current titleholder Petr Yan, who is recovering from minor back surgery.
Dvalishvili focused on Yan trilogy
Dvalishvili lost the bantamweight title to Yan at UFC 323, evening their rivalry at one win apiece. Despite Sean O’Malley’s recent knockout win over Aiemann Zahabi to re-enter the title picture, Dvalishvili believes Yan deserves to be his next opponent in an interview with MMA Junkie Radio.
“I deserve to fight Petr Yan, and I will have to wait for Petr Yan. I’m fine with that. Hopefully Petr comes soon and we will fight. If not, then however (long) he will take, I want to fight him.”
“I’m sure everybody will be excited about our trilogy.”
Former champion says recovery is going well
Dvalishvili is also recovering from a broken nose but says the injury won’t keep him out of action.
“My nose is good already. I’ve been training with the head gear on, the mask that is protecting my nose, and I’m fine.”
While awaiting Yan’s return, Dvalishvili is set to face Henry Cejudo in the main event of RAF on July 11 in Tbilisi, Georgia.