UFC bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili has said he’s willing to wait for a potential trilogy fight against reigning champion Petr Yan.
For the longest time, Merab Dvalishvili was considered to be not only the best bantamweight in the world, but one of the best mixed martial artists on the planet – that was, until he ran into Petr Yan, who defeated him in a really fun, entertaining rematch for the world title.
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Ever since then, Dvalishvili has been busy recovering and preparing to try and earn back his championship. Up to this point, he hasn’t been given the opportunity in the form of an official rematch, but the popular opinion is that he is the right guy to get the next shot.
In a recent interview, Dvalishvili had the following to say about a possible trilogy clash with Yan.
Dvalishvili is ready to wait for Yan
“The UFC told us that there’s no interim belt or there is no other fights,” Dvalishvili told MMA Junkie Radio. “I deserve to fight Petr Yan, and I will have to wait for Petr Yan. I’m fine with that. Hopefully Petr comes soon and we will fight. If not, then however (long) he will take, I want to fight him.
“That’s the best guy in my division now, and I want to fight the best guys because everybody else, I have beaten. Petr Yan is the real challenge for me, especially that it’s 1-1 between me and him, and I’m sure everybody will be excited about our trilogy.”
“My nose is good already,” Dvalishvili said. “I’ve been training with the head gear on, the mask that is protecting my nose, and I’m fine.”
Quotes via MMA Junkie
While Sean O’Malley may believe he has a claim, there’s no denying that Merab has done more than enough to deserve a rematch as he attempts to reclaim his belt.
If the trilogy fight does happen, who would you back to win and why? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!