Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan: Prediction and odds on the Match on 07 December, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili is set to fight on December 6. He’ll defend his belt for the fourth time this year. This also marks the final big UFC event before the ESPN era ends. His opponent is Petr Yan, whom Dvalishvili already beat in 2023. Yan has claimed he wasn’t at his best in their first fight, so this rematch could be different. Check our UFC odds series for the Duncan-Tulio prediction and pick. Who do you think will win?
Claim Your Welcome Bonus!Merab Dvalishvili recent form
Merab Dvalishvili, also known as “The Machine,” dominates the bantamweight division. He’s on a 14-fight winning streak, with his last fight on September 14, 2024. In 2017, he defended the ROC Bantamweight Championship against Raufeon Stots before joining the UFC. His debut that year ended in a split-decision loss to Frankie Saenz. He lost again in 2018 but earned a “Fight of the Night” bonus for his submission loss. He bounced back later that year with a win over Terrion Ware. In 2019, Merab took a break to compete in the Combat Sambo World Championships. He defeated Yerlan Makhmutov and Mindaugas Ramaska but lost in the final to Stepan Kobenov. After returning to the UFC, he beat Casey Kenney by unanimous decision. In 2021, he earned a “Performance of the Night” bonus for his knockout win over Marlon Moraes. His last loss came at Fury Pro Grappling 2 against Kevin Dantzler. Since then, Merab has been unstoppable. His style is built around constant clinches and relentless wrestling. Twelve of his 14 wins have come by decision. His cardio and endurance allow him to take nonstop takedowns, setting the UFC record for most takedowns. He wears down opponents with pressure, clinch knees, and spinning attacks. Merab outworked champions like Petr Yan, José Aldo, Henry Cejudo, and Sean O'Malley, building an impressive resume over the years.
Merab Dvalishvili's Strengths
Merab’s strengths are his striking and wrestling. He applies pressure in the octagon, as seen in his last fight. The 34-year-old orthodox fighter lands 42% of his significant strikes. His grappling is also excellent, making him a well-rounded competitor.
Petr Yan recent form
Petr Yan returns to the octagon after a tough few years. His fortunes changed after an illegal knee against Aljamain Sterling in a fight he was winning. Yan, still just 31, has a UFC record of 8-4, with four losses in his last five fights. He’s known for solid grappling and impressive takedown defense. He’s a slow starter, often giving away the first round to read his opponent before coming strong in round two. Yan is good at luring opponents in, then exploding with quick combinations. Yan has 19 wins and 5 losses. After a rough 2022 and 2023, he’s bounced back with three straight wins. He’s defeated top fighters like Jose Aldo, Cory Sandhagen, and Song Yadong. Once a top bantamweight prospect, he lost his title after that illegal knee to Sterling. A win over Sandhagen kept him afloat, but losses to Sterling, O'Malley, and Dvalishvili followed. In 2024, he started climbing back with wins over Song Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo, and Marcus McGhee, earning a three-fight winning streak. Yan’s striking IQ still makes him dangerous. His clean boxing, stance switches, and sharp counters can frustrate Merab if he finds his rhythm early. However, Yan tends to calculate his strikes and adjust tactics during the first few rounds, which will be tough against Merab’s nonstop pressure.
Petr Yan Strength
Petr Yan throws hard, fast kicks and has solid boxing. He fights out of the orthodox stance and has a strong chin.
Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan Betting Insights, Tips & Odds
- Dvalishvili’s current form suggests he won’t be stopped. His incredible cardio and passion for the fight have made him a champion, and even Dana White praises his mindset. It looks like he’ll add another decision win to his record.
- Dvalishvili may not be a top submission artist, but as the champ, he can make anyone’s life tough with his mat returns from a bodylock.
- Petr Yan will need to get creative with his offense. He’ll have to land a knee or kick when Dvalishvili tries his entries.
Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan Prediction
Merab Dvalishvili is set for his fourth title defense of 2025. No one in UFC history has defended a belt four times in a single year. He’s on a 14-fight win streak, dominating everyone in his path. This kind of streak builds legends. Dvalishvili is a big favorite heading into the rematch, with odds at 1.22. The bookmakers expect a decision win, with odds at 1.40. Yan’s odds are 4.50, so the sportsbooks clearly think he has little chance. This is a tough matchup for Yan. He’ll struggle to show off his boxing skills, as Merab will pressure him early. Yan will spend most of the fight reacting to Merab’s level changes and defending takedowns. Based on this, we predict Merab to win by decision.
Our first prediction is W1 to decision or technical decision - 1.60 odds for 1xbet
Our Second Prediction is +3.5 Spread Petr Yan - 2.50 odds for Bet365
Lastly, W1 to win, Fight to go the distance (yes), 150+ significant strikes landed - 6.00 odds for Betway
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