Yan expresses confidence in defeating Dvalishvili in another encounter, stating, "The second battle will be distinct."
Want Another Crack at Dvalishvili? Petr Yan Thinks So!
In a candid chat with Submission Radio, Petr Yan, erstwhile UFC lightweight champ, discussed a potential rematch against Merab Dvalishvili, his Georgian counterpart and current division leader. Yan, acknowledging Dvalishvili's wrestling prowess, expressed optimism about a different outcome should they square off again:
"Dem boy Merab love wrestling, I feel ya. But after our throwdown with Merab, I caught wind of some new tricks, and I swear, the second round would be a different dance, m'boy. I'm sure I can out-punch him."
Their first bout went down in March 2023, with Yan losing a clear-cut unanimous decision. He hinted at having wrestled with a bum shoulder, impeding his performance.
Interestingly, Dvalishvili is gearing up for a rematch with Sean O'Malley, headinglining UFC 316 in Newark on June 8.
Other Buzz:
- Sam Alvey Throws Down a Gauntlet for Eddie Hall!
- Corey Sandhagen Eager for a Round Two with Petr Yan!
- Mateusz Gamrot Accuses Benoit Saint-Denis of Yellow Belly for Backing Out of a Fight!
The Lowdown:
Though no concrete plans for a rematch between Yan and Dvalishvili have been announced, Yan has been eyeing high-profile bouts to get back in title contention. However, discussions regarding a rematch with Dvalishvili seem absent in the current context [1][2][3].
Yan has been linked to other potential rematches, one with Cory Sandhagen, but specifics about a rematch with Dvalishvili are scarce. Additionally, there's been no mention of any health issues impacting Yan's fights, so it's uncertain how a shoulder injury might affect a potential grudge match against Dvalishvili.
The Here and Now:
- Yan's sights are currently set on a possible showdown with Cory Sandhagen, aiming to boost his standing in the title picture[2][4].
- Merab Dvalishvili will lock horns with Sean O'Malley for the belt at UFC 316, which could reshape the bantamweight division's landscape[1][3].
- Yan has voiced criticisms regarding the perceived favoritism shown towards Sean O'Malley, adding to the intrigue surrounding potential rematches [1][3].
The Road Ahead:
A rematch with Dvalishvili isn't imminent unless Yan manages to climb the rankings through victories [2][4]. If Yan secures a notable win, such as against Cory Sandhagen, it may strengthen his claim for a title shot or another go at Dvalishvili. However, the outcome would depend on numerous factors, including both fighters' performances in the lead-up.
- In light of Petr Yan's remarks about a potential rematch against Merab Dvalishvili, bookmakers are predicting an increase in bets for a possible encounter in the future.
- With Merab Dvalishvili preparing for a rematch against Sean O'Malley, some fans are calling for a rematch between Dvalishvili and Yan as well, given Yan's optimism for a different outcome.
- Despite the ongoing discussions about Yan's potential rematch with Cory Sandhagen, the possibility of a rematch between Yan and Merab Dvalishvili in the sports of mixed-martial-arts remains a topic of interest among fans.
- If Petr Yan manages to secure a victory against Cory Sandhagen, the lightweight division might see a rematch between Yan and Merab Dvalishvili, depending on their performance and the prospect of reshaping the division's landscape.
