Petr Yan, following his unanimous decision win over Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Macau, is uninterested in a rematch with Sean O’Malley and is instead focused on a potential rematch with current bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili.
Petr Yan isn’t interested in revisiting a fight with Sean O’Malley. On Saturday, Yan secured a unanimous decision win over Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Macau’s main event. It was no cakewalk; Figueiredo even floored him in the fourth round, a moment Yan confessed left him genuinely rattled.
“When he landed that punch, I thought, ‘It’s not New Year’s yet, but fireworks already started,’” Yan quipped at the post-fight presser. Briefly dazed, he quickly regained composure. In this brutal sport, anything can happen. One moment you’re up, the next you’re down.
“In the UFC, every opponent’s a tough nut to crack,” Yan remarked. “You can’t let your guard down for a second. Surprises lurk in every corner, right till the last bell.” He fought through the turbulence and bagged a clean sweep of 50-45s from all three judges.
This victory marks Yan’s second consecutive win. Naturally, fans are buzzing about a potential rematch with Sean O’Malley. “Suga” controversially edged out Yan at UFC 280, earning his shot at the title. But with O’Malley’s recent loss to Merab Dvalishvili, fans are eager for another showdown between the two former champs. Yet, Yan seems indifferent.
“I haven’t decided who’s next,” Yan admitted when questioned about facing O’Malley again. “That’s more for the matchmakers to decide. I’m open to anyone.” He reminded everyone: “I’ve already bested both Sean O’Malley and Sandhagen.”
Instead, Yan eyes a different target—a rematch with the reigning bantamweight champion. Back in March 2023, Dvalishvili handed him a decisive defeat. With two wins since then, Yan feels he’s edging closer to another shot at the title.
“Merab, let’s do it again,” Yan declared confidently. “I’m ready for this rematch—it’ll be electrifying.” He emphasized his momentum: “Two wins in a row against top contenders on streaks themselves. Step by step, we’re closing in on that rematch and title fight.”
While nothing’s set in stone yet, Dvalishvili is expected to defend his title against Umar Nurmagomedov next year. Still, Yan’s persistence seems to be paying off—Dvalishvili responded to his challenge shortly after UFC Macau, hinting at a possible clash at UFC 313 on March 8.