Petr Yan can rest easy now that he has closed a major chapter in his fighting career.
Yan (21-5 MMA, 13-4 UFC) defended his UFC bantamweight title against long-time rival Dvalishvili (21-6 MMA, 14-4 UFC) this Saturday in the co-main event of UFC 333 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. It wasn't just another win for Yan, it was the closing of a historical trilogy that spanned three years. Being the winner of the series, Yan feels relieved now that he's still holding the UFC bantamweight title.
"I'm very happy that this trilogy ended with me being on top," Yan said through an interpreter at the UFC 233 post-fight press conference. "This was a long, hard story that made me work harder and made me bring out the best in myself."
Many have Dvalishvili as the greatest bantamweight of all time, although this result might change some opinions. There is no doubt, regardless of exact ranking, that Dvalishvili is one of the best to ever do it in the weight class. Yan doesn't want to self-proclaim any spot on the GOAT list, and he doesn't want to put a label on Dvalishvili either.
"I won't call him the best of the third best, it's just that every decade, every time, has its own champions, its own heroes and best fighters, and it's not for me to say that, but is more for you to say," Yan said. "You guys are the ones figuring out the sport. You guys are the ones calling people names."
Apart from being sporting competitors, there's been tension between Dvalishvili and Yan throughout the years. They're not exactly friends now, but they leave UFC 333 at least with mutual respect.
"We shook hands, said thank you to each other, and congratulated each other on a great fight, and then we discussed a few political issues that are going to stay there," Yan said. "I'm sure you'll hear it; there are microphones everywhere, and I'm sure it'll come out, but I'd rather leave it between us for now."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Petr Yan relieved to close trilogy with Merab Dvalishvili: 'This was a long, hard story'