Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili Trilogy Fight Preview

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Combat Sports Report

Peter Yawn and Marab Meet in a High-Stakes Trilogy Fight

Peter Yawn and Marab meet in the co-main event for a trilogy fight with bragging rights and the belt at stake. Yawn won their previous meeting after saying he was injured and not at full strength in the first fight. Marab, meanwhile, entered the rematch after an unusually busy run of fights and weight cuts.

There are explanations for both previous results. Yawn had a broken hand in the first fight and did not show much, while Marab controlled the action. Before the second fight, Marab had competed in four title fights in a year and endured weight cuts roughly two months apart. Even with his reputation for cardio and toughness, that schedule was difficult.

Yawn entered the second fight healthy and displayed strong takedown defense and impressive striking. After watching them compete for 10 rounds, he appeared to have the more well-rounded skill set and a clear striking advantage.

The major concern entering the rubber match is Yawn’s back. He underwent back surgery in January and had to go under the knife multiple times. Back problems can linger, and it is difficult to know how any fighter or athlete will respond afterward. If Yawn is compromised, the matchup becomes extremely close.

Marab enters as the underdog, and the odds have shifted across the three fights. The lean is toward Marab as the contender most likely to take the belt, but confidence is low after what Yawn did in the second fight. In a matchup that feels like a toss-up, Marab remains an attractive but difficult choice.