Petr Yan Scoffs At Immediate Rematch For Merab, "UFC made me go three more fights"

"I knew that the entire time I had to push my initiative, I had to make sure to damage him. I understand that I'm fighting in the champion's hometown, this is his back yard. I flew 30 hours to get here. I knew that in order for the belt to go in my hands I had to make sure to leave no stone unturned, no questions."

"I think Merab should really just get the boys, get into the jacuzzi, think about it, and then we'll see,"

"I never chose what to do as a champion. I never chose my opponents. Whatever the UFC, whatever the organization tells me to do, let's go. Pedal to the metal,"

"Just understand the fact that for me to get the opportunity to fight for the belt again UFC made me go three more fights before I was able to get into the contender position again."

Petr Yan regained the bantamweight championship after a gritty five-round victory over Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323. Yan emphasized maintaining initiative and inflicting damage while fighting in Dvalishvili's hometown after a 30-hour trip. Yan left no questions about his performance and signaled openness to future opponent assignments without committing to a specific rematch. Yan noted that the path back to a title shot required three additional wins to return to contender status. The victory restored the belt to Yan and underscored his readiness to follow the organization's matchmaking decisions.

Read at Cageside Press