Merab Dvalishvili’s next opponent market centers on a potential trilogy with Petr Yan, who captured the bantamweight title via unanimous decision at UFC 323 in December 2025. Yan’s recent confirmation of the rematch and Merab’s public emphasis on facing the division’s top-ranked contender have driven trader consensus toward that matchup. Umar Nurmagomedov sits second after strong recent form and prior title contention, though Merab has repeatedly dismissed a rematch. Sean O’Malley remains in play due to their earlier encounters and name recognition, while Song Yadong and Cory Sandhagen trail as lower-probability options based on ranking and activity. Recent statements from both Merab and Yan have reinforced the trilogy narrative over other divisional challengers.