UFC bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili has sustained a significant nose injury during a recent sparring session, yet “The Machine” remains resolute in his commitment to competing this year. Despite medical advice indicating that reconstructive surgery would sideline him for a full year, Dvalishvili has opted to postpone the procedure until after his fighting career concludes.
Dvalishvili is currently anticipating a highly awaited rematch against two-time bantamweight champion Petr Yan. The UFC had reportedly promised Dvalishvili an immediate title shot following his hard-fought unanimous decision loss to Yan at UFC 323 last year, a bout that saw him lose his 135-pound championship. Prior to that defeat, Dvalishvili had an exceptional 2025, successfully defending his belt three times. His ambition to make history as the first UFC champion with four title defenses in a single year was ultimately thwarted by Yan.
With both fighters recuperating, Dvalishvili is expected to make his return to the octagon in the second or third quarter of the current year to settle their rivalry in a trilogy fight, which currently stands tied at 1-1. Yan recently underwent lower back surgery and has already resumed his training regimen.
Describing his latest injury, Dvalishvili shared that his nose was shattered once more after taking a knee during sparring. His doctor confirmed the necessity of reconstruction to properly align his nose, explaining that such a procedure would involve re-breaking bones and require a full year for recovery.
Addressing his fans, Dvalishvili articulated his decision to defer surgery: “My nose is really messed up. It’s even more cracked in the same direction, and the bones inside are broken. I can’t even breathe through one side.” He continued, “The doctor said if they want to fix it properly and make it straight, they would have to break other bones too, and that would take another year to heal. Of course, I don’t want to do that. Otherwise, he said I can keep it like this and have surgery after retirement. I told him I’m not planning to retire for the next 20 years, so I’m just going to deal with it.” Dvalishvili’s unwavering dedication underscores his focus on championship aspirations over immediate physical repair.