Merab Dvalishvili is preparing to face Petr Yan for a third time in a bantamweight title bout at UFC 333, scheduled for October 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The two fighters, each with one victory over the other, will compete in the co-main event of the evening, which will be headlined by featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defending his title against undefeated contender Movsar Evloev.

Dvalishvili, who lost the bantamweight title to Yan in their most recent encounter, characterized the upcoming fight as a "25-minute war," signaling his readiness for a potentially grueling five-round battle. He acknowledged that he took too passive an approach in their last meeting but said he has since refined his strategy and improved his skills through rigorous training. “You guys are going to see me much sharper, much focused, much hungry, much dangerous,” he stated ahead of the fight.

Both fighters present distinct styles in the division. Dvalishvili, known for his grappling expertise, will face Yan’s striking proficiency, adding a tactical dimension to their rivalry. Dvalishvili emphasized the competitiveness of the matchup, labeling Yan as the most dangerous opponent in the bantamweight division and underscoring the regional element of the contest, describing it as a “Russia versus Georgia” showdown.

Despite the setback against Yan, Dvalishvili expressed respect for the current champion and indicated his support for Yan receiving another title shot after their previous bouts. He said this demonstrates his sportsmanship and commitment to challenging the top fighters in the division.

UFC 333 marks Dvalishvili’s first fight in Abu Dhabi, though he has visited the city before. The United Arab Emirates capital has become a significant venue for the Ultimate Fighting Championship since the introduction of a long-term partnership between UFC and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism in 2019. This upcoming event will be the 24th UFC card hosted in the city, which is known for enthusiastic fight fans.

Meanwhile, the bantamweight division’s landscape is shifting following Song Yadong’s knockout victory over Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili highlighted Song’s striking power as a key factor in that outcome and acknowledged Song as a new contender to watch. Song previously faced Yan in March 2024 but has yet to fight Dvalishvili.

Looking beyond the trilogy bout with Yan, Dvalishvili identified Song as a likely future challenger if he regains the title. “First I have to beat Yan and then after it has to be Song Yadong for sure,” he noted.

UFC 333 promises a high-stakes night featuring top-tier matchups in Abu Dhabi, with tickets remaining available through official outlets.