Makhachev backs Yan to silence Dvalishvili again after Russian flag row

Islam Makhachev has dismissed Merab Dvalishvili’s criticism over the Russian flag display at UFC 330 and predicted his compatriot Petr Yan will beat Dvalishvili for a second time when the pair meet in a trilogy bout at UFC 333 on October 24 in Abu Dhabi.

Makhachev (29-1) had just made the first defence of his UFC welterweight title, defeating Ian Garry by unanimous decision at UFC 330, when his team raised the Russian flag inside the Octagon during the post-fight announcement. Dvalishvili (21-5) publicly objected to the gesture, arguing it was unfair given that he is allegedly not permitted to display the Georgian flag after his own victories, and pointing out that the Russian flag has been banned from most major international sporting events in response to Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine.

Makhachev was unmoved by the complaint. Speaking at a press conference, the champion said Dvalishvili had never welcomed his success and pointed to a precedent already set in the bantamweight division: Yan raised the Russian flag after defeating Dvalishvili for the UFC bantamweight title last December.

“From the very beginning, he wasn’t happy about my success in the Octagon,” Makhachev said. “But I don’t pay attention to those things. He’s already spoken about this many times. But Petr Yan beat him and raised the flag in the Octagon. I think [Yan] will beat him again now and silence him for good.”

Yan is set to make the first defence of his bantamweight title against Dvalishvili at UFC 333, a trilogy that adds an extra layer of personal rivalry to what is already a closely contested matchup. Dvalishvili had held the belt before Yan dethroned him, and the Georgian will be looking to reclaim it on the Abu Dhabi card.

Makhachev’s comments ensure the flag dispute will remain a talking point in the build-up to UFC 333, framing the Yan-Dvalishvili trilogy as something of a proxy argument between two camps with a clear mutual dislike.