Merab Dvalishvili is planning to win the Fighter of the Year award by staying super active as a champion. Dvalishvili already defended his title two times this year, and in October, he will defend it for the third time against Cory Sandhagen. However, after Sandhagen, ‘The Machine’ plans to return in December.

The bantamweight champion is set to face Sandhagen at UFC 320. Even before winning that fight, the Georgian champ wants a quick turnaround to fight Petr Yan in December 2025. Dvalishvili told MMA Junkie:

“I want to fight 4th time this year. If I win, like I said, I don’t think it’s going to be an easy fight for me, but if I win this fight, I want to come back quick and give Petr Yan his fight. He’s the clear contender right now and he’s the most deserving guy in my weight class.”

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