Current and two-time UFC bantamweight titleholder Petr Yan has sent a chilling warning to Merab Dvalishvili ahead of their trilogy bout.

Last year, “The Machine” had defended his belt successfully three times and wanted to become the first fighter in the UFC to register four consecutive title defenses in a year. However, Yan ruined his big plans by dethroning him at UFC 323.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 06: (R-L) Petr Yan of Russia punches Merab Dvalishvili of Georgia in the UFC bantamweight championship fight during the UFC 323 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 06, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

The UFC brass has granted Dvalishvili a title rematch as promised. Yan vs. Dvalishvili 3 will serve as the UFC 333 co-main event, live from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 24. This rematch got delayed as Yan had lower back surgery earlier this year.

Ahead of the trilogy bout, “No Mercy” has told Dvalishvili to ‘get good insurance for his nose’ as he plans to break it again. The Russian fighter quipped:

“Merab, get good insurance for your nose, because I will have to break it again.” [via UFC Eurasia]

Check out Petr Yan’s comments about Merab Dvalishvili below:

Merab Dvalishvili plans to get nose surgery done when he retires

A few months before, while sparring, Merab Dvalishvili broke his nose again, this time in two places. He informed fans that he is having difficulty breathing.

Merab Dvalishvili Shattered His Nose But Is Refusing Surgery. [Images via @merab.dvalishvili on Instagram]

The doctors have told Dvalishvili that he will need reconstructive surgery to fix his nose, a procedure that would involve breaking the other bones to get everything back into place. Going under the knife to fix his nose means “The Machine” will have to stay out of action for a year, something he really hates. Thus, Dvalishvili has decided to do the operation only after he retires.

Check out Merab Dvalishvili’s comments below:

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.