Bantamweight Champion Dvalishvili Blasts Yan's Injury Claims Ahead of UFC 323 Title Defense

Las Vegas, Nevada – The highly anticipated rematch between reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili and former titleholder Petr Yan took a fiery turn at the pre-fight press conference on Thursday, as Dvalishvili vehemently dismissed Yan’s claims of fighting with a significant injury in their initial encounter. The exchange underscored the personal stakes and lingering tension ahead of their main event clash at UFC 323 on December 6.

Despite Dvalishvili’s earlier assurances of burying past animosities, the cordiality evaporated when Yan addressed his performance in their first bout in 2023. Yan, known for his technical striking and composed demeanor, revealed that he was not operating at full capacity during that pivotal five-round contest.

"In my first fight, I fought with him with one arm," Yan stated during the Q&A session, referencing Dvalishvili’s record-setting 49 takedown attempts. "He tried 49 takedowns."

This assertion ignited a passionate response from Dvalishvili, who has grown increasingly vocal about opponents attributing losses to injuries sustained during their fights. The Georgian champion’s frustration was palpable, echoing his sentiments following his February victory over Henry Cejudo, where the former two-division champion cited a shoulder injury as a factor in his performance.

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The First Encounter: A Grappling Masterclass

To understand the depth of Dvalishvili’s reaction, it is crucial to revisit their first fight on March 11, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 221 in Las Vegas. That night, Dvalishvili delivered a dominant performance, outworking Yan over five rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory with identical scorecards of 50-45 from all three judges.

Yan, a former undisputed bantamweight champion, entered that fight looking to rebound from a controversial split-decision loss to Sean O’Malley for the interim title. Dvalishvili, meanwhile, was on a relentless ascent, building an impressive win streak. The Georgian’s strategy was clear: relentless pressure and an unyielding grappling attack. He attempted an astonishing 49 takedowns, successfully landing 11 of them – a new UFC bantamweight record for a single fight. While Yan showcased commendable takedown defense at times, Dvalishvili’s sheer volume and sustained effort ultimately wore down "No Mercy." The fight largely played out with Dvalishvili controlling Yan against the cage, attempting submissions, and landing ground and pound, severely limiting Yan’s opportunities to unleash his renowned striking combinations.

Yan’s Post-Fight Revelation and Surgical Intervention

Yan’s claim of fighting with "one arm" in that first bout is not without a basis in subsequent events. Following the loss to Dvalishvili, reports emerged that Yan had been dealing with a chronic shoulder injury. In April 2023, just weeks after the fight, Yan underwent surgery to address the issue. This detail, while not publicly emphasized before the fight, became a significant part of Yan’s narrative regarding his performance. For Yan, the injury served as a tangible explanation for his inability to fully counter Dvalishvili’s relentless attack and engage in the striking exchanges where he typically excels.

Dvalishvili’s "No Excuses" Philosophy

Dvalishvili’s strong reaction to Yan’s comments stems from a consistent stance against post-fight injury declarations. For Dvalishvili, such statements diminish the significance of his victories and the effort he invests in defeating elite opponents. His recent win over Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 in February 2024 provides a clear precedent. Following their unanimous decision contest, Cejudo disclosed that he had sustained a shoulder injury during the fight, impacting his ability to perform at his peak. Dvalishvili, at the time, expressed similar frustration, emphasizing that every fighter enters the cage with ailments and that victory should be attributed to superior performance, not opponent infirmity. This "no excuses" philosophy appears to be a core tenet of Dvalishvili’s competitive mindset, perhaps rooted in the tough, resilient fighting culture of his native Georgia.

"Petr, you are better than this," Dvalishvili shouted at Yan during the press conference, his voice rising above the din. "Stop making excuses! Please, no excuses. I will beat you on Dec. 6, what excuse are you going to make? Tell me now!"

The reigning champion then repeatedly challenged Yan to declare any existing pre-fight injuries, aiming to pre-empt any potential post-fight justifications should Dvalishvili emerge victorious again. The unusual demand was met with a raucous reaction from the Las Vegas crowd, who seemed to revel in the intensity of the exchange.

"Are you going to make excuse when I beat you again? Tell me now, please," Dvalishvili pressed, leaning into the microphone. "Are you going to make any excuse? Are you going to make an excuse on Dec. 6 or not? Tell me now, please. Do you have any injuries now? I have a question for you. Do you have any injuries now? Do you have injuries or no? Yes or no? I guess not."

Yan’s Pledge for Redemption

Amidst the clamor and Dvalishvili’s insistent questioning, Yan eventually received enough translation to offer his response, maintaining a more composed, albeit determined, demeanor.

"Guys, I feel great," Yan assured the audience. "This Saturday you’re going to see me in the best shape of my life."

Yan’s statement was a clear promise of a revitalized performance, indicating that he intends to leave no room for doubt or further injury claims in the rematch. For Yan, this fight represents a crucial opportunity to halt a concerning trend in his career. After reaching the pinnacle of the bantamweight division, his recent record stands at 1-4 in his last five outings, including two losses to Aljamain Sterling, the split decision against Sean O’Malley, and the dominant defeat by Dvalishvili. His sole victory in this period came against Cory Sandhagen in October 2021. A decisive win over the current champion would be instrumental in re-establishing his elite status and putting him back on the path to reclaiming the title.

Dvalishvili, who has compiled an impressive professional record of 17-4 MMA, is currently on a remarkable 10-fight winning streak. His ascent to the bantamweight throne has seen him defeat a murderers’ row of contenders, including José Aldo, Marlon Moraes, and Henry Cejudo, culminating in his championship win. This rematch against Yan is not only a title defense but also an opportunity to solidify his reign and silence any lingering doubts about his dominance over a former champion.

"Good luck," Dvalishvili retorted, a simple but loaded phrase that encapsulated the tension and competitive spirit between the two elite bantamweights.

UFC 323: A Stacked Card

The Dvalishvili vs. Yan rematch headlines UFC 323, a card promising high-stakes action across multiple divisions. The co-main event will feature another championship bout, with Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja defending his title against the rising contender Joshua Van. The main event bantamweight clash, however, carries immense significance for both fighters and the division as a whole. For Dvalishvili, it’s about cementing his legacy; for Yan, it’s a chance at redemption and a desperate bid to reclaim his position at the sport’s summit, free from the shadow of past injuries. The outcome will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of the UFC’s fiercely competitive bantamweight division.