Dvalishvili names Song Yadong as next if he beats Petr Yan at UFC 333
The former champion says he has tools Yan has not seen yet, and already has a first defence in mind.
Merab Dvalishvili already knows who he wants after Abu Dhabi. Speaking to MMA Junkie, as reported by Heavy on 16 October, the former bantamweight champion said: “If I win, Song Yadong is next.” He meets champion Petr Yan in the co-main event of UFC 333 at Etihad Arena on Saturday 24 October.
Song earned that mention with a knockout of Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Shanghai, a single counter shot as Nurmagomedov tried to shoot for a takedown, according to MMA Sucka. Dvalishvili said Song is dangerous and has knockout power, but added that his focus stays on Yan. Song has history with Yan as well, having lost to him on points in 2024.
In interviews with UFC on Paramount+ and Arab News, gathered by MixedMartialArts.com, Dvalishvili called Yan “the most dangerous guy in my weight class.” He also promised something new: “I have some tools that I haven't showed.” He has said he plans more body work and more varied takedown entries this time.
The rivalry is level at one win each. Dvalishvili won the first fight on points in Las Vegas in March 2023, and Yan took the title from him by unanimous decision at UFC 323 in December 2025. Before that defeat, Dvalishvili had defended the belt against Umar Nurmagomedov, Sean O'Malley and Cory Sandhagen.
Dvalishvili (21-5) told the same outlets that beating Yan twice would let him “sleep very peacefully.” Yan (20-5) defends the title on a card headlined by Alexander Volkanovski against Movsar Evloev, with the main card due around 10pm UAE time.
UFC 333: Volkanovski vs EvloevSat 24 Oct · Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi See ticketsSource: Heavy, MixedMartialArts.com, MMA Sucka
