Dan Hardy weighs in on the Yan vs Dvalishvili clash ahead of UFC spotlight
A former UFC fighter, Dan Hardy, has shared his take on the upcoming bantamweight duel between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili. In a video released on his channel, he outlined what he believes will shape the five round encounter and what fans should watch for in the championship-caliber matchup. Hardy notes that Yan’s patience could prove decisive in a full five-round battle, while Merab faces a true test of endurance as the fight progresses toward 25 minutes in the cage. The question, he suggests, is whether Merab can sustain his pace for the entire duration or if Yan will exploit any dip in energy to swing momentum in his favor. According to Hardy, Merab tends to push the pace hard and may rely on wearing down his opponent as rounds accumulate, a strategy that could define the tempo of the fight.
Recent events have seen tensions rise as Yan and Dvalishvili prepared for the contest, including an incident during the pre-fight face-off where Yan appeared to push Merab in a sight duel. This moment occurred on the eve of the UFC Fight Nights event held in Las Vegas, underscoring the high intensity surrounding the matchup. The highly anticipated five-round bout is set to anchor the event’s card, with promotion details confirming the schedule for the night corresponding to March 12 in Moscow time. The stakes are elevated in this headlining clash, with both athletes known for their relentless styles and recent performances shaping the betting and fan expectations.
On March 10, a weigh-in took place, revealing a measurable size advantage for Yan over his Russian opponent. The day prior, Dvalishvili publicly commented on the upcoming duel, signaling the close attention both camps are giving to every facet of preparation. The broader context includes a notable recent result from the bantamweight division, where Sean O’Malley defeated Petr Yan by split decision during UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. That outcome continues to color the current rivalry between Yan and Dvalishvili, adding historical texture to the narrative as both fighters pursue a pivotal victory in this marquee matchup. [attribution: Dan Hardy commentary and pre-fight reporting]