Petr Yan moved closer to a chance at revenge on Merab Dvalishvili with his performance at UFC Abu Dhabi.
Before Robert Whittaker lost to Reinier de Ridder in Saturday’s UFC Fight Night main event, another former champion was in action at Etihad Arena.
The co-main event saw Yan take on a risky assignment, as he put his apparently already-earned title shot on the line against a contender outside the top 10 in Marcus McGhee. The decision ultimately paid off, as Yan outworked McGhee at UFC Abu Dhabi to make it three wins on the bounce.
‘No Mercy’ last tasted defeat against Dvalishvili, and it seems his recent run of victories has impressed the reigning champ.
Merab Dvalishvili congratulates former rival Petr Yan on his UFC Abu Dhabi victory
While he has his own fight to think about in the coming weeks and months, Dvalishvili was among those watching on with a close eye as his former opponent made the walk in Abu Dhabi.
Dvalishvili comfortably got the better of Yan in their Las Vegas main event over two years ago. But while such a lopsided result may put some fighters off from running it back with an opponent, ‘The Machine’ has welcomed it in the past.
And that trend will likely only continue after Yan’s triumph on July 26, which was met with a positive, congratulatory message from Dvalishvili.
“Great fight @PetrYanUFC congratulations,” he wrote on X.
Petr Yan reacts to Merab Dvalishvili’s classy message with rematch push
It did not take long for Yan to take notice of his former opponent’s respectful message.
The Russian replied in similar fashion, wishing the champion luck for his next fight. While Yan had been brought up as a potential option for the Georgian’s third defense, Dvalishvili will face the challenge of Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320.
Yan mentioned his hope to once again face ‘The Machine’ should he get past ‘The Sandman’ on October 4.
“Thanks Merab, good luck in your next fight,” he wrote on X. “Hopefully it’s me and you for the belt after.”