Petr Yan took the trilogy over Merab Dvalishvili with a unanimous decision at UFC 333, securing back-to-back wins against his rival and retaining his title in the co-main event. Yan controlled the fight with his superior striking and wrestling, grinding out the victory in a gritty performance that showcased his championship pedigree. The Georgian fighter has now claimed two consecutive victories in the series after dropping the first matchup, cementing his status as the division's top dog. This was the third installment of a rivalry that had escalated with each meeting, and Yan settled it decisively without leaving room for debate from the judges. The bantamweight champion proved he remains the elite force at 135 pounds, weathering Dvalishvili's pressure and countering effectively throughout the fight.
Combat Sports
Yan completes trilogy with gritty win over Dvalishvili to defend title
Key facts
- Petr Yan took the trilogy over Merab Dvalishvili with a unanimous decision at UFC 333, securing back-to-back wins against his rival and retaining his title in the co-main event.
- Yan controlled the fight with his superior striking and wrestling, grinding out the victory in a gritty performance that showcased his championship pedigree.
- The Georgian fighter has now claimed two consecutive victories in the series after dropping the first matchup, cementing his status as the division's top dog.
- This was the third installment of a rivalry that had escalated with each meeting, and Yan settled it decisively without leaving room for debate from the judges.
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Source context
This article summarizes and contextualizes reporting from ESPN MMA. The visible original source link is retained so readers can review the primary report directly.