"I’m Already Skinny": Merab Dvalishvili Admits Weight Cut Could Get Ugly Before UFC 333

Merab Dvalishvili has more weight to lose ahead of UFC 333© NDTV Photo Library

Merab Dvalishvili says he needs to lose a considerable amount of weight before his bout with Petr Yan at UFC 333 for the bantamweight title. He admitted the final days before Friday's weigh-in “will be tough". The former champion meets Yan in the co-main event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 24. Their trilogy is tied 1-1, with the 135-pound belt on the line. Dvalishvili is determined to regain the title he lost to Yan last December. Yan, meanwhile, will look to close out their rivalry and secure another successful defence.

5 kg Left. 5 კილო დამრჩა დასაკლები და 2 დღე აწონვებამდე. https://t.co/DxOyIKU0hh

— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) October 21, 2026

Merab Dvalishvili details his brutal weight-cut struggle

Merab Dvalishvili disclosed that he was still some pounds above the bantamweight limit as fight week progressed. Although he was not sounding alarmed, he admitted that the final cut would demand discipline after a rigorous training camp.

He posted a video on his X; he said, “I have already cut 7 kilos, and I have 5 kilos left; these 5 kilos will be tough, as you can see. I'm already skinny; there is no more fat.”

The Georgian has long been known for his relentless cardio and wrestling volume. But making 135 pounds remains one of the least glamorous parts of his job. His focus, he said, is clear. Make weight, show up on October 24 and handle the challenge in front of him.

Merab promises new ‘tools' as Yan rivalry reaches trilogy showdown

Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili enter their third meeting with one victory each. Yan, the current champion, redressed his earlier defeat by outscoring Dvalishvili in December. Dvalishvili is determined to reclaim the title he once held.

Yan expects a more wrestling-heavy approach from Dvalishvili this time. The champion believes his opponent will return to the grappling base that fuelled his rise, rather than relying too heavily on striking exchanges.

Dvalishvili, meanwhile, has promised to show Yan “tools” he has not seen before. He has also tried to keep the pre-fight tension in perspective. He stated Yan's trash talk no longer affects him and that the cage will provide the real answer.

UFC 333 is headlined by Alexander Volkanovski defending his title against undefeated Movsar Evloev in the main event. Yan-Dvalishvili 3 sits directly beneath it, giving the bantamweight division an opportunity to finally put an end to their rivalry through a major card.

Dvalishvili enters with a 21-5 record and 14-3 inside the UFC. Meanwhile, Yan stands at 20-5 and 12-4, with bookmakers making the champion a modest favourite.