UFC president Dana White has spoken out about the future career of former lightweight champion Petr Yan of Russia after his loss to Georgia's Merab Dvalishvili.
Look, he's still one of the best guys in the world. He fought Merab, who was extremely motivated. Usually Yan sets the pace in fights, starts slow, but then turns on and grinds out wins. And today Merab did that. But Petr is still one of the best in the world.
Dana White
Yan and Dvalishvili's fight headlined UFC Fight Night 221, which took place March 12 in Las Vegas, USA. The fight lasted the whole distance of five rounds, at the end of which all the judges unanimously gave the victory to the fighter from Georgia.
Yan, 30, last came to the octagon in October, 2022, at the UFC 280 tournament, when he lost to Sean O'Malley by split decision. Petr has 16 wins and four losses under his belt.
Dvalishvili, 32, defeated Jose Aldo last August at UFC 278 by unanimous decision. Merab has 14 wins and four losses on his record.