Yan vows to expose 'new layers' as UFC 333 bantamweight trilogy looms in Abu Dhabi

Petr Yan enters his UFC bantamweight title trilogy against Merab Dvalishvili on 24 October at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi with a clear conviction: he has solved his rival and intends to prove it again.

The pair’s series stands at one win apiece. Dvalishvili took the first meeting in 2023 by unanimous decision, overwhelming Yan with relentless wrestling. Yan reversed the result in their December 2025 rematch, repeatedly shutting down the takedown attempts that had beaten him before and landing consistent, effective strikes to reclaim the championship — also by unanimous decision.

With the decider now days away, Yan is confident that second performance was no fluke.

“We definitely have enough information downloaded from the time we spent together in the Octagon,” Yan said in a pre-fight interview. “But the second victory, obviously, was very dominant. I’ve figured him out and I’m gonna do whatever I can to this time bring the same type of victory and even open new layers which we haven’t seen yet.”

The phrase “new layers” is notable. Yan, nicknamed “No Mercy”, is not simply promising a repeat — he is suggesting his game plan has evolved beyond what Dvalishvili has already seen on film. Whether that means sharper counter-wrestling, a more varied striking attack, or something else entirely, Yan is keeping the specifics close.

For Dvalishvili, the challenge is to recapture the smothering pressure that earned him the first victory while finding answers to the takedown defence Yan displayed in the rematch. The Georgian contender has not spoken publicly about his own adjustments ahead of the fight.

The UFC 333 card at Etihad Arena will be headlined by this bantamweight title decider, with Yan looking to make the first defence of his reclaimed championship and settle one of the division’s most competitive rivalries.