Yan and Dvalishvili will fight for the third time at UFC 333 on Saturday, joining an exclusive club. The UFC has staged only 19 trilogies in its history, making this matchup rare territory. Their first fight ended in a draw at UFC 251 in 2020. Yan won the rematch at UFC 280 in 2022, capturing the bantamweight title. Now the rubber match carries championship implications as both men jostle for positioning at 135 pounds.
Trilogies remain uncommon in MMA. The sport's depth means fighters often move on rather than rehash previous results. When they do happen, trilogies typically signal unfinished business or legitimate competitive balance. Yan-Dvalishvili fits that mold. Neither fighter has dominated the series. The split results demand resolution.
ESPN's full catalog of UFC trilogies shows how selective the promotion is about greenlighting third fights. Saturday's bout joins a list that includes legendary matchups and pivotal title fights. For serious followers, this trilogy matters. The winner likely controls the title picture. The loser faces a recalibration. Yan's experience as a former champ gives him edge recognition. Dvalishvili's relentless pace and wrestling present a different problem each time they meet.