The Russian bear is back: Peter Yan tore apart Dvalishvili’s “machine” and took the UFC crown

In December, something that martial arts fans had been waiting for for almost three years happened in Las Vegas. Peter Yan didn’t just win — he methodically dismantled the “unstoppable Georgian machine” Merab Dvalishvili for parts and regained the UFC bantamweight championship belt.

The rematch that changed everything

Remember the first fight in March 2023? Then Dvalishvili simply crushed Yan with the fight, winning each of the five rounds. Critics have already written off the Russian. But real warriors don't give up — they come back stronger.

This time Ian came out as a different person. Already in the first round, he cut Merab’s eyebrow with such a blow that the Georgian began to have breathing problems. And then — just a master class:

• 5 successful takedowns against the opponent’s 2
• Complete advantage in ground control
• Iron defense against Dvalishvili’s transfers
• Filigree accuracy in the stand-up

The judges were unanimous: 49-46, 49-46, 48-47. Four rounds out of five went to Ian.

Xrust readers probably remember how the Russian prepared for this fight in the Emirates, attracting the best wrestlers for sparring. And it worked! Dvalishvili simply did not know what to do — all his signature techniques were broken against the new version of Yan.

Merab's streak of 14 victories was interrupted. And Peter is back on the throne, for the first time since 2021.

How do you like the rematch? Are you looking forward to the trilogy?

Xrust The Russian bear is back: Peter Yan tore apart Dvalishvili’s “machine” and took the UFC crown