Nurmagomedov Predicts Yan Repeat Over Dvalishvili

Umar Nurmagomedov expects Petr Yan to defend his UFC bantamweight title successfully when he faces Merab Dvalishvili for the third time at UFC 333.

The two bantamweights split their first two meetings, with Dvalishvili winning the initial bout before Yan reclaimed the belt in their rematch. Nurmagomedov told Red Corner MMA that he sees the champion repeating that performance in the trilogy fight, as reported by BJ Penn and MMA Junkie.

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Yan's Health Key To Victory, Nurmagomedov Says

"My bet is that Petr will get it done again," Nurmagomedov said. "He was healthy. A lot of things depend on your health. He was able to punch with his right hand. In their first fight he couldn't do that as his shoulder was injured." The divisional rival pointed to Yan's boxing skills as the difference-maker against Dvalishvili's wrestling-heavy attack.

Nurmagomedov broke down the stylistic matchup in detail, noting that while Dvalishvili's takedowns create opportunities, his ground control lacks the finishing quality that former champion Aljamain Sterling brought to the position. "Merab just can't because he doesn't have that level of grappling," he explained. "So, he might take him down, but Petr will get up."

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Yan enters the trilogy bout as the betting favorite after his dominant rematch performance. Dvalishvili admitted in a recent interview that Yan could "beat the s--- out of him" if he makes the same mistakes from their second meeting. UFC 333 takes place later this year with the bantamweight title on the line.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Petr Yan will defeat Merab Dvalishvili again, Umar Nurmagomedov predicts