Petr Yan takes sharp dig at Merab Dvalishvili as Ilia Topuria video reignites bantamweight title talk

Ilia Topuria and Petr Yan were back in the spotlight this week, and this time it came from a short, funny video that quickly turned serious. A parody clip showing Merab Dvalishvili wrapping his hands before sparring Ilia Topuria spread fast on social media. The clip looked playful, but it opened the door for an old rivalry to heat up again.

The video was shared by ESPN MMA on Instagram. In the clip, Merab Dvalishvili pretends to hide small rocks inside his hand wraps while getting ready to spar with Ilia Topuria. The idea was simple and funny. It ended with both fighters laughing, making it clear the moment was meant as a joke. Still, Petr Yan did not laugh.

The former bantamweight champion left a sharp comment under the post. Petr Yan wrote, “He still doesn’t know how to hit.” The short line was aimed straight at Merab Dvalishvili’s striking skills and quickly caught attention across the MMA world. Yan’s comment added fuel to a rivalry that already has history, titles, and unfinished business.

Petr Yan, Merab Dvalishvili, and Ilia Topuria stay linked as trilogy talk and UFC plans shift

Petr Yan currently holds the edge in his rivalry with Merab Dvalishvili. In December, Yan defeated Dvalishvili to regain the UFC bantamweight title. The win ended Dvalishvili’s long winning streak and pushed fans to talk again about a third fight between the two. Many believe a trilogy is still the biggest fight in the division. However, planning it has not been easy.

There was early talk about holding the fight on a special UFC card at the White House in June. That idea is now off the table. The main reason is Petr Yan’s Russian nationality, which makes it impossible for him to compete at that location.

Merab Dvalishvili confirmed this himself in a recent interview. He said, “The only thing the UFC told me is that I’m next for the belt. They said there will be a trilogy between me and Yan, and they also told me that our fight will not happen at the White House on Trump’s birthday in June. Because Yan is Russian and that’s impossible.”

While plans remain unclear, Dvalishvili has been working closely with Ilia Topuria to improve his striking. Training with the UFC lightweight champion is seen as a way to add power and confidence to his stand-up game.

Ilia Topuria, however, is currently taking time away from competition. He is dealing with personal matters, including a divorce and an ongoing child custody case. Because of this, he is not expected to return soon.

Another name in the picture is Umar Nurmagomedov, who has secured his spot as a top contender. His rise adds more pressure to the UFC’s matchmaking plans. For now, the jokes, comments, and rivalries continue, even when they start with a laugh.



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