Will ‘The Machine’ Receive Mercy?
Merab Dvalishvili is known as ‘The Machine’ and lives up to his name as the current Bantamweight title holder. He is set to defend his title for the fourth time as he grinds gears, preparing for his rematch with Petr Yan, otherwise known as ‘No Mercy’. Merab’s current record stands at 21-4-0, while Petr’s record is currently 19-5-0. Both fighters share almost the same experience in the octagon as each other. Both are known for their last matchup against each other, which took place two years ago. In that matchup, Petr lost to Merab by unanimous decision. However, Merab still has the advantage coming into this fight at UFC 323, taking place on December 6th, 2025. His advantage can be found in absorbing fewer strikes per minute. Also, Petr should be on guard against Merab when it comes to any ground game, as Merab has a higher submission threat. ‘The Machine’ even executed a guillotine choke in his recent fight with Sean O’ Malley.
Petr can secure an advantage in his strike volume, which has landed more strikes per minute than Merab. Also, this could be related to Petr’s accuracy when he throws his strikes, as he outcompetes Merab in that category. He should also have more motivation to simply usurp the current title holder, as this is a rematch, providing the opportunity to correct any doubt in his technique or experience. Aside from motivation, he does have a defense strategy against any groundwork and standing strategies that will come his way. The catch, though, will be whether he can land any of these strikes as Merab continually dodges them, or if he can pin Merab on the ground long enough to maintain dominance to win a unanimous decision.
Altogether, Merab is still the favorite pick of the two, while ‘No Mercy’ seems to have a revival of winning fights that matches an early Chris Curtis’ career trajectory. Hopefully, the recent losses Petr has experienced will make him separate from Chris, as he still has the opportunity, with his current younger record, to change his trajectory entirely. This makes it very hard to say if Merab will receive mercy from this fight, as ‘No Mercy’ looks to dominate and secure the unanimous decision like he has done in his last three fights. Merab will have to rely on his ability to dodge, but also understand that if the opportunity on the ground is present, it should be utilized without hesitation. That could lead to another submission of his career instead of the fight Petr expects by going blow for blow with the fighter who defeated him in the past. Overall, it will be exciting and an evenly held matchup with everything a comeback rivalry has to offer!
