Merab Dvalishvili Adds New Wrestling Coach Ahead of Petr Yan Rematch

Merab Dvalishvili has overhauled part of his coaching staff as he prepares for an expected UFC bantamweight title rematch against champion Petr Yan, according to a statement from the Georgian fighter.

Dvalishvili, 35, confirmed he has entered a structured training camp and added a new wrestling coach to his corner. The former champion noted he is approaching this preparation with a sharper, more deliberate mindset, describing his focus as training smarter rather than simply harder. The shift comes after he dropped the bantamweight title to Yan via unanimous decision at UFC 323 last December. Currently ranked first in the division and second in the pound-for-pound standings, Dvalishvili carries a 21-5 record and trains out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team. His grappling output is among the most relentless in the sport, averaging 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes, and the addition of a dedicated wrestling coach signals an intent to sharpen those skills further heading into the rematch.

Yan, 33, has been out of action since that victory, sidelined by back surgery. The Russian holds a 20-5 record and has reclaimed the bantamweight title, bringing a striker's precision to the cage with a 54 percent striking accuracy and 5.12 significant strikes landed per minute. He trains out of the Archangel Michael Club and operates out of a switch stance, adding an element of unpredictability to his already polished technical game.

Why it matters

• Dvalishvili's coaching change suggests he identified specific defensive or offensive wrestling adjustments needed after the first fight
• Yan's back surgery recovery timeline will determine when the rematch can officially be booked
• A second meeting between the top two fighters in the bantamweight division carries undisputed title implications for the 135-pound landscape