The headline event of UFC Fight Night 221 stars a blockbuster bantamweight battle between former bantamweight champion Petr Yan and rising contender Merab Dvalishvili. The bantamweight division has earned a reputation for being the most competitive class in UFC. This fight between number two-ranked Yan and number three-ranked Dvalishvili is indicative. Russian Petr Yan is on a two-fight skid and has one win in four but has remained a force in the division. In contrast, Georgian Merab Dvalishvili has posted remarkable stats in the promotion, amassing eight consecutive wins and 46 takedowns in an amazing run. UFC Fight Night 221 takes place at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Paradise, Nevada, USA.
MMA: UFC Bantamweight
Location: The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Paradise, Nevada
Where to watch: ESPN+
Date: 12.3.2023, 6:30
Petr Yan
The 30-year-old Russian won the vacant bantamweight championship in July 2020 by defeating UFC Hall of Famer José Aldo via TKO. The next year he lost it to Aljamain Sterling when he was disqualified in the fourth round for an illegal move. Notably, Yan was leading in two of the judges’ cards before the DQ. Since that loss, he has gone 1-2, losing to Aljamain Sterling in a rematch and most recently to Sean O’Malley in October 2022. Both losses came by way of a split decision, and against O’Malley, the bout was awarded Fight of the Night. Primarily a striker, Petr Yan is an all-rounder with wrestling and grappling skills too. He is number two in the UFC bantamweight rankings.
I think he doesn’t have any other way to bring attention to himself. He cannot do it with his fights. In his fights, all he does is, like a dog, take the leg and push his opponents up to the cage. So he’s just trying to get a little attention or something. No one is interested in him.
Petr Yan
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 30
- Height: 5’ 7”
- Weight: 135 Ibs
- Reach: 67”
- Record: 16-4
Merab Dvalishvili
The Georgian debuted in the UFC in 2017 and promptly dropped his first two fights. In 2018, he made a turnaround, winning his third fight and starting an eight-fight win streak. With a background in Sambo and Judo, Merab Dvalishvili has amassed a total of forty-six takedowns in that streak. In 2019, Dvalishvili finished second in the Sambo World Championships in South Korea, competing in the 68 Kg category. In his last UFC encounter, he defeated former Bantamweight champion José Aldo via unanimous decision in August. His long winning streak has pushed him to number three in the UFC bantamweight rankings.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 32
- Height: 5’ 6”
- Weight: 135 Ibs
- Reach: 68”
- Record: 15-4
Betting Odds
Petr Yan is the clear favorite to win with odds of 1.36 on Bet 365. The same bookmaker has the underdog at 3.25 odds. Coinplay lists a decision win for Merab Dvalishvili at 4.00 odds. Method of victory (decision) is priced at 1.49 odds on 1xbet.