Merab Dvalishvili Calls Out Petr Yan, Says He’s “Buying Time” While Trilogy Talk Stalls

When Merab Dvalishvili steps into the octagon, he does it with a purpose – to press, to dominate, and, lately, to get answers. The 26‑year‑old Georgian fighter has openly accused fellow featherweight Petr Yan of “taking his time,” a dig that’s sending ripples through the UFC’s matchmaking circles.

It all started after Yan’s razor‑sharp win over Dvalishvili at UFC 291. The loss was bitter, but the real sting, Dvalishvili says, came from the months that followed with no concrete talk of a trilogy bout. “Every time I’m asked about the next fight, it’s like, ‘we’ll see,’” the challenger explained in a recent interview. “It feels like the promotion is just letting the clock run while they figure out what to do.”

Yan, for his part, has been relatively quiet. The two‑time champion’s camp points to the usual scheduling chaos – injuries, other divisions demanding attention, and the ever‑changing fight calendar. Yet Dvalishvili’s frustration is palpable. “I’m not asking for a quick fix; I’m asking for a clear date,” he said, shaking his head. “Otherwise, it’s just a story that never gets finished.”

Fans and analysts alike have weighed in. Some argue that the UFC is playing a strategic game, perhaps hoping to line up a bigger payday by pairing Yan with a higher‑profile opponent first. Others feel the promotion might be worried about a “dead‑heat” – a fight that could go either way and potentially stall the momentum of both athletes.

What’s certain is that the featherweight division’s narrative is hanging in the balance. A third meeting would not just settle a personal score; it could also solidify who truly sits atop the 145‑pound hierarchy. Dvalishvili, known for his relentless cardio and suffocating pressure, believes he’s ready. “I train every day for this,” he insists. “I’m not going to wait forever.”

Meanwhile, UFC president Dana White remains non‑committal, promising “a fight is coming” but offering no specifics. The saga continues, with both camps circling, fans counting down, and the calendar slowly filling with other marquee events.

Until an official announcement drops, the conversation will keep buzzing on social media, podcasts, and press‑conferences. One thing’s clear: Merab Dvalishvili isn’t going to let the clock run out without a fight, and if Petr Yan truly wants that trilogy, he’ll have to stop “buying time.”