Petr Yan came closer to a chance of revenge on Merab Dvalishvili with his performance at UFC Abu Dhabi.
Before Robert Whittaker lost to Reinier de Ridder in the UFC Fight Night Main Event on Saturday, another former champion was in action in Etihad Arena.
In the Co-Main event, Yan saw a risky assignment, while he put his apparently already deserved title shot on the line against a competition outside the top 10 in Marcus Mcghee. The decision eventually paid off, because Yan Mcghee at UFC Abu Dhabi surpassed to get three wins on the bouncer.
'No Mercy' tasted the last defeat against Dvalishvili, and it seems that his recent run of victories made an impression on the ruling champion.
Merab Dvalishvili congratulates former rival Petr Yan with his UFC Abu Dhabi victory
Although he has his own fight to think in the coming weeks and months, DvalishVili was one of those who watched with a narrow eye while his former opponent took the walk in Abu Dhabi.
Dvalishvili got comfortable more than two years ago better from Yan in their main event in Las Vegas. But although such a crooked result cannot leave some hunters to let it go back with an opponent, 'The Machine' has welcomed it in the past.
And that trend is likely to continue after the triumph of Yan on July 26, who was received with a positive, congratulatory message from Dvalishvili.
“Great fight @petryanufc congratulations,” he wrote on X.
Petr Yan responds to the stylish message from Merab Dvalishvili with Rematch Push
It was not long before Yan had knowledge of the respectful message of his former opponent.
The Russian answered in the same way and wished the champion happiness for his next fight. While Yan was raised as a potential option for the third defense of the Georgian, DvalishVili will get the challenge of Cory Sandhagen on UFC 320.
Yan mentioned his hope to be opposed to 'the machine' again when he passes 'The Sandman' on October 4.
“Thank you Merab, good luck in your next fight,” he wrote on X. “Hopefully I am for the belt afterwards.”