Photo via Yahoo Sports

Merab Dvalishvili names first title defense if successful at UFC 333

Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has openly reflected on his surprising loss to Petr Yan in their rematch at UFC 323, admitting he recognized early in the fight that he would fall short. The defeat marked the end of Dvalishvili’s reign after he had dominated their initial meeting in 2023.

Now, with UFC 333 on the horizon, Dvalishvili has set a clear goal: a successful performance at this event could mark his first title defense in a new chapter of his career. Meanwhile, betting markets for UFC 333 suggest tight contests ahead, with Volkanovski and Evloev locked in even odds for their lightweight title showdown, while Yan remains the favorite in his upcoming trilogy bout.

The event, set for Abu Dhabi, will also feature other high-profile matchups, including a potential showdown between Alexander Volkanovski and Justin Gaethje, as both fighters hint at ambitious plans for their future title pursuits.

Up nextMMA· 2h ago

Larissa Pacheco frustrated over lack of offers after UFC snub: ‘The market has kind of closed its doors on me’