Merab Dvalishvili insists he’ll face Petr Yan: no matter the wait

Merab Dvalishvili made it clear on 18 June: he’s not chasing anyone but Petr Yan for his next UFC run.

What did Dvalishvili say?

Dvalishvili told reporters he’s willing to wait however long it takes for a matchup with Petr Yan, the UFC bantamweight champion. The Georgian contender stressed that timing isn’t the issue-landing the fight is. “I’ll wait,” he said. “No matter how long it takes.”

Why does this matter for Dvalishvili’s career?

At 30, Dvalishvili is in his prime window for a title shot. He’s on a six-fight UFC win streak and holds a No. 1 contender ranking. His next fight could vault him into title contention if Yan agrees. The champion’s next defense remains unclear after his last outing.

What’s next for the bantamweight division?

Yan’s schedule is the missing piece. If he defends against Dvalishvili, the fight would headline a future UFC card. If not, Dvalishvili may face interim champion Sean O’Malley or another top contender. The division’s top ranks are stacked, but Dvalishvili’s patience keeps him in pole position.

How does this shape Dvalishvili’s legacy?

Dvalishvili has already beaten top names like Cory Sandhagen and José Aldo. A win over Yan would cement his spot among the division’s elite. The Georgian isn’t just waiting-he’s building leverage. His next move could redefine the bantamweight landscape.