Aljamain Sterling Reveals Key Adjustment Merab Dvalishvili Must Make for Petr Yan Trilogy Bout
Merab Dvalishvili’s training partner and close friend, Aljamain Sterling, recently discussed the most important point ‘The Machine’ has to keep in mind when he runs it back with Petr Yan.
The Georgian fighter lost his bantamweight title to Yan last year in a rematch at UFC 323. With the score now tied at 1-1, both fighters are expected to throw down later this year.
The UFC has promised Merab Dvalishvili an immediate title rematch, as the latter had defended his title successfully three times in 2025 and was one of the most active champions. His fourth title defense did not go his way, and despite giving max effort, Yan was just the better man on fight night.
The potential Yan vs. Dvalishvili 3 bout is expected to happen later this year. ‘No Mercy’ recently had a lower back surgery and will be out of action for at least 2 months.
Aljamain Sterling points out changes Merab Dvalishvili Must Make for Petr Yan Trilogy Bout
Aljamain Sterling says at UFC 323, Merab Dvalishvili got tired early in the striking exchanges and will need to go back to a wrestling-heavy approach in the third fight with Petr Yan. He told Home of Fight:
“Now they’re 1–1 against each other. I think the adjustment he has to make is getting back to being more like himself…The first time he fought Petr Yan, he shot within the first 15 seconds. This time, they were exchanging jabs on the feet for three minutes. I think he kind of got himself a little tired.”
As ‘Funk Master’ noted, ‘The Machine’ didn’t shoot for takedowns right away at UFC 323, and even the cageside commentators pointed that out. He was hunting for a finish and chose to stand and trade instead for most of the 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, Yan was the sharper boxer that night, piecing up the Georgian’s face and landing brutal kicks to his liver that had Dvalishvili screaming in pain. Yet, despite enduring so much damage, ‘The Machine’ still did not slow down, but that was not enough to get his hand raised. Meanwhile, ‘No Mercy’ scored his own takedowns and also had great takedown defense.
Merab Dvalishvili’s coach recently admitted that hunting for finishes in title defenses was the wrong approach, and from now on, “Merab just needs to go be Merab.”
