‘Sounds like death’ – Fans concerned for Merab Dvalishvili after UFC 323 press conference as champion chases historic feat

MMA fans have expressed their worries for Merab Dvalishvili after his appearance at UFC 323’s pre-fight press conference.

Dvalishvili defends his UFC bantamweight title against Petr Yan in the main event of the Las Vegas card and faced off with his Russian opponent for the first time on Thursday night.

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‘The Machine’ is undefeated since 2018 and could make promotional history if he overcomes deadly striker Yan at UFC 323.

Victory for Dvalishvili would put him in a league of his own as the first fighter in UFC history to defend a title four times in one calendar year.

The 34-year-old captured the belt from Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 in September 2024.

He made his first bantamweight title defence against Umar Nurmagomedov in January before defeating O’Malley again and outpointing Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320.

Dvalishvili has openly discussed his desire to remain very active as a UFC champion, but his quick turnarounds this year have left some fans feeling concerned.

Fans worried for ‘drained’ Merab Dvalishvili

Dvalishvili will have to meet the 135-pound championship weight limit for the fourth time in 2025 before he faces Yan.

The Georgian champion typically walks around at anywhere between 160 and 170lbs, and fans have pointed out that this weight cut could catch up with him on fight night.

Responding to footage of Dvalishvili at the press conference, one fan wrote: “Four fights in a year, four cuttings, and Merab is not a small bantamweight…

“I know he has stamina, but he is still a human, this may affect his gas tank tomorrow night.”

Another added: “He sounds like death and speaks like death.”

While a third said: “The window is open for Petr Yan. Merab might have pushed the activity too far this time.”

Dvalishvili has already fought Yan in the UFC, outpointing ‘No Mercy’ after five rounds in March 2023.

During the press conference on Thursday night, Yan claimed he ‘fought with one arm’ in the first fight in an attempt to poke the bear, but Dvalishvili, who usually remains reserved, was having none of it.

“Petr, you are better than this,” Dvalishvili responded.

“Stop making excuses. Please, no excuses! When I beat you on Dec 6. What excuse are you going to make? Tell me now.”

Although ‘The Machine’ did indeed look drained from his weight cut, some fans pointed out that others were making a mountain out of a molehill.

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Dvalishvili has proved his immense gas tank on more than one occasion

One wrote on X: “If you look at all his press conferences, he always sounds drained.”

Another pointed out: “He literally always does during fight week, I’ve never heard someone that sounded more drained than him, and then he shows up and puts on the 5 best rounds you’ve ever seen.”

Dvalishvili has proven time and again that he has the stamina to go five rounds and beyond in championship fights.

UFC light heavyweight Khalil Rountree Jr once revealed that he watched Dvalishvili spar five rounds on the day of his win over Sandhagen in October.

“Five full live rounds at 12pm, not even half a day before he has to be in the arena to put on the biggest fight of his career,” Rountree said.

“That’s just him. You cannot make it up.”

Dvalishvili attempted an astounding 49 takedowns when he met Yan two years ago.

He only succeeded in 11 of them, but still cruised to a unanimous decision win, with all three judges scoring the contest 50-45 in his favour.

The champion said he will show more skill in his rematch with Yan on Saturday.

He added that the only way for Yan to win is by knocking him out as the self-proclaimed ‘decision king.’