T.J. Dillashaw labels X-factor in Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili trilogy at UFC 333

Former UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw has identified body work as the key X-factor in the upcoming trilogy bout between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333, scheduled as the co-main event at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The two fighters have split their previous meetings, with Dvalishvili winning by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 221 in March 2021, and Yan responding with a unanimous decision victory to claim the bantamweight title at UFC 323 in December. Dillashaw noted that Yan's takedown defense was impressive in the rematch, and suggested that if Dvalishvili cannot secure takedowns, his gas tank will suffer compared to his opponent.