Petr Yan to Defend Bantamweight Title at UFC 333
Petr Yan faces Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event on October 24, 2026, in Abu Dhabi.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Petr Yan will defend his bantamweight championship against Merab Dvalishvili during the UFC 333 event in Abu Dhabi on October 24, 2026. This matchup marks a high-stakes encounter for the former interim champion.
Why it matters
A victory for Petr Yan would confirm his standing as the division's champion and likely conclude his intense rivalry with Dvalishvili. Yan enters the bout aiming for a decisive win to maintain his momentum as he looks to solidify his title reign.
Petr Yan carries a four-fight win streak into this event, which features a total of 14 matchups. His professional career record currently stands at 20-5 with 11 of those wins coming within the UFC.
The players
Petr Yan
He is a former interim UFC bantamweight champion known for his technical striking ability and aggressive style in the octagon.
Merab Dvalishvili
He is a high-level bantamweight competitor and the primary challenger for the title at UFC 333.
Aljamain Sterling
He is a notable UFC fighter who previously defeated Petr Yan via disqualification to win the bantamweight title.
The details
The co-main event serves as a pivotal clash for Yan, who previously captured the belt by defeating Dvalishvili in December 2025. Yan looks to build on his current winning streak while further distancing himself from his earlier disqualification loss to Aljamain Sterling.
Timeline
December 2025: Petr Yan defeated Merab Dvalishvili to win the belt.
October 24, 2026: UFC 333 takes place in Abu Dhabi.
Season Trajectory
This title defense reshapes the hierarchy of the bantamweight division and settles a central narrative from the recent season. A victory will solidify the division's leadership and remove ambiguity regarding the titleholder's status.
This bout will finalize the current bantamweight title picture for the remainder of the 2026 calendar year. Bettors and fans should note that this is one of 14 fights on the card, impacting the total event duration and potential for performance-based bonuses.
The takeaway
Fans should pay close attention to whether Yan can maintain his current momentum in the high-stakes pressure of a championship defense. Secure your viewing access early to catch all 14 fights on the card as the event approaches.
Further reading
Follow the latest matchups and championship developments at the Mixed Martial Arts section.
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Do you plan to watch the Petr Yan versus Merab Dvalishvili trilogy fight at UFC 333?
