Merab Dvalishvili names first title defense if successful at UFC 333

Merab Dvalishvili isn't looking past Petr Yan by any stretch of the imagination, but he does know who he wants to share the octagon with next if he wins at UFC 333.

First things first, Dvalishvili (21-5 MMA, 14-3 UFC) needs to handle business in a trilogy bout against Petr Yan for the bantamweight title in the co-main event of UFC 333, which takes place Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The pair have split results in their first two meetings, with Dvalishvili winning the first by unanimous decision and Yan (20-5 MMA, 12-4 UFC) winning the rematch with gold on the line in the same manner.

It's a title fight that Dvalishvili recognizes as one of the most important in the division's history, given their past meetings and how decisive each bout was for the winner. "The Machine" assures that the rivalry is purely competitive and, in fact, isn't worried about the gold hardware at all.

"No. 1, I'm focusing on Yan, and I want to win this fight," Dvalishvili told MMA Junkie. "More than the belt, I just want to win against my next opponent. The belt will come automatically, and then the belt – it's good, but it's not the main thing for me. I just want to win against the best guy, which is Petr Yan. Then I will have a belt again, and it's gonna be good. Sweet."

Dvalishvili, 35, has been on the sidelines since the Yan rematch at UFC 323 in December ended his title reign. It's an uncharacteristic time off, following a year in which he fought in four title fights. If successful in his return, Dvalishvili wants to get back to his regular schedule and knows who would be next.

"If I win, Song Yadong is next," Dvalishvili said. "Because we never fought each other, he's dangerous, and we always know he has knockout power. If Petr Yan wins, then Sean O'Malley, because they have a history. It's simple this time who's gonna be next for each other, but I think Song Yadong has to get ready."

Song (24-9-1 MMA, 13-4-1 UFC) has won back-to-back fights, stopping both Deiveson Figueiredo and Umar Nurmagomedov in the second round. He has been a mainstay among the upper echelon of bantamweights, but a title fight has eluded him. That may change should Dvalishvili win the crown for the second time.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Merab Dvalishvili names first title defense if successful at UFC 333