Betting tips from AI for Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan, 31 December 2025.

Petr Yan's recent title reclaim wasn't a fluke — it was a tactical masterclass that neutralized Merab's biggest strengths. Yan outstruck Dvalishvili 196-of-458 to 159-of-251, bloodyed him with precise striking, landed game-changing body kicks (the round-three roundhouse was pivotal) and even added unexpected takedowns, flipping the script on Merab's relentless wrestling.
The market has Merab at 1.62 while Yan is listed at 2.23. Given Yan's successful adjustments, three-fight momentum and clear ability to handle Merab's pressure, Yan represents better value here. I recommend backing Petr Yan — the stylistic edge and recent performance make the +123 price a profitable bet.

The upcoming rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan presents a fascinating betting opportunity, especially considering their recent encounter. The news vividly recounts Petr Yan's dominant performance at UFC 323, where he not only reclaimed the bantamweight title but did so with a decisive unanimous decision over Dvalishvili. Yan's striking was remarkably precise, outlanding Merab 196-of-458 to 159-of-251, and his body kicks visibly hurt the champion.

Crucially, Yan flipped the script on Merab's relentless wrestling pressure by securing unexpected takedowns and controlling the ground for significant periods. This demonstrates a significant strategic adjustment from Yan, which analysts like Henry Cejudo hailed as a "signature performance." Despite Merab's historical wrestling prowess, he managed only 2-of-29 takedowns, highlighting Yan's improved defense and offensive grappling.

Given Yan's recent, dominant victory and the strategic adjustments he showcased, the bookmakers' odds of Merab Dvalishvili at 1.62 and Petr Yan at 2.23 seem misaligned. Betting on Petr Yan at 2.23 offers excellent value, as he has proven he can decisively beat Dvalishvili and has the momentum of a three-fight win streak.

The rematch between Dvalishvili and Yan comes after Yan's stunning upset to reclaim the bantamweight title at UFC 323. Yan's masterclass performance in their last meeting completely flipped the script on Merab's wrestling-heavy approach, with Yan landing devastating body kicks and showing surprising takedown prowess.

What stands out is how Yan outstruck Dvalishvili (196-458 vs 159-251) while also controlling ground time effectively. This wasn't just a lucky punch - it was a comprehensive tactical victory. Yan has now built a three-fight win streak and seems to have found Merab's weakness.

Despite the underdog odds at 2.23, Yan has demonstrated he has Merab's number. The odds suggest bookmakers haven't fully adjusted to the new reality after their last fight. Yan's striking precision, unexpected wrestling success, and tactical adjustments make him the value bet here.

In the bantamweight rematch at UFC 323, Petr Yan pulled off a stunning upset by reclaiming the title from Merab Dvalishvili in a grueling five-round war. Yan's precise striking overwhelmed Merab's wrestling, landing 196 significant strikes to Dvalishvili's 159, while surprisingly controlling the grappling exchanges with 2:55 of top time despite Merab's failed takedown attempts (2-of-29). That brutal roundhouse body kick in round three visibly slowed the champ, and Yan's adjustments neutralized Merab's relentless pressure, earning scores of 49-46 across two cards and 48-47 on the third.

Now, with Yan extending his three-fight win streak and Dvalishvili reeling from his first loss in over a year, the odds reflect the shift: Merab at 1.62 as a favorite, but Yan at 2.23 offers massive value. Yan's 'signature performance,' as Henry Cejudo called it, exposed Merab's vulnerabilities to body work and counters. Betting $1 on Yan at +123 could net $1.23 profit if he repeats the magic—his striking IQ and resilience make him the play for bettors seeking an edge in this trilogy potential.

Merab's cardio is elite, but Yan's proven he can weather the storm and strike back harder. This isn't just revenge; it's Yan cementing his legacy.

Petr Yan's stunning UFC 323 victory over Merab Dvalishvili reshapes this matchup. Yan bloodied the champ with precise strikes and brutal body kicks, outstriking him 196-of-458 while neutralizing Merab's wrestling with unexpected takedowns.

With Yan on a three-fight streak and analysts praising his adjustments, the odds of 2.23 for Yan offer tremendous value. Dvalishvili at 1.62 seems overvalued after being dominated, making Yan the profitable bet to repeat his performance.

When Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan step into the Octagon on December 31, 2025, it will be a rematch loaded with intrigue. Yan's previous victory over Dvalishvili at UFC 323 was nothing short of masterful. He dismantled the Georgian wrestler’s game plan with precision striking and unexpected grappling exchanges, outlanding Merab significantly (196-of-458 to 159-of-251). That performance not only showcased Yan’s adaptability but also silenced doubts about his ability to counter Dvalishvili’s relentless pressure.

The odds reflect Yan’s dominance in their last encounter: 1.62 for Dvalishvili suggests bettors see him as the favorite, while Yan sits at a tempting 2.23. However, value often lies where public perception falters. Despite Merab’s reputation as an iron-chinned warrior who thrives under volume-based wrestling, Yan has proven he can exploit gaps in Merab’s defense. His strategic use of body kicks and timely takedowns neutralized one of the division’s most durable fighters last time around.

With Yan riding a three-fight win streak since his 2023 loss to Henry Cejudo, his confidence is peaking. Meanwhile, Dvalishvili’s inability to secure meaningful takedowns against Yan—a staggering 2-of-29—raises questions about whether he can recalibrate effectively. Betting on Yan might feel risky given his underdog status, but history shows us that he rises to the occasion when facing familiar foes. At 2.23, Yan offers excellent value for a fighter who just dismantled the champion convincingly.