Dvalishvili admits Yan hit him hard despite 'Machine' nickname

Merab Dvalishvili publicly acknowledged the power and damage he absorbed from Petr Yan during their rematch. Despite carrying the nickname 'Machine,' Dvalishvili explained that in the fight with Yan, he felt fully human and vulnerable to strikes. The admission represents a rare moment of candor about the difficulty of facing Yan's striking. Dvalishvili's comments were shared on social media and highlight his respect for his opponent's abilities. Recognizing an opponent's strength is seen as an important step in a fighter's personal growth and development.