"This is crazy." Why not everyone is happy with Petr Yang's UFC refereeing win

At the UFC 333 tournament in Abu Dhabi, Russian fighter Petr Yan defended the lightweight belt against Merab Dvalishvili.

This was the third meeting of opponents with an equal score of 1: 1. For Dvalishvili, it was the first outing in the Octagon since the defeat by Jan in December 2025.

Jan was a clear favorite of this meeting. Bookmakers offered odds of 1.45-1.60 for his victory, while Dvalishvili could be put with odds of 2.40-2.65.

However, at the start of the fight was dominated by Dvalishvili, who exerted constant pressure and attempts to pass to the legs. Although Ian defended, this pressure did not allow the champion to fully use his strengths.

The usual scenario for Dvalishvili allowed him to pick up the first two rounds, although he could not keep Jan in the ground for a long time.

The Russian managed to seize the initiative at the right time. The turning point was a powerful blow to the liver, after which Dvalishvili noticeably slowed down and began to respond to pain.

Because of the lost first rounds, the score was equal - everything was decided by the final stretch. Ian's corner said the same thing.

But it was Peter who was more accurate in the critical situation. His blows shocked Dvalishvili - it was visible in the face of the Georgian.

In the end, all three judges unanimously gave the victory to Jan with a score of 48-47.

Immediately after the fight, Yang said through an interpreter, “Give me Son Yadun, give me King Kong, give me anyone, I’ll translate them all.”.

The head of the UFC Dana White at a press conference after the tournament publicly stated that this fight was recognized as the best fight of the tournament, and called it “an incredible fight”.

For this, Jan and Merab will receive bonuses of $100,000.

Now Peter has a championship belt, a successfully completed trilogy of confrontations and self-confidence in the lightest weight.

On account of 33-year-old Jan 21 wins and five defeats in MMA. The 35-year-old Dvalishvili has 21 victories and six defeats in his professional career.

Who in the UFC was unhappy with Jan's victory?

Some UFC fans and experts expressed dissatisfaction with the decision. They believed that Merab had won, but reproached him with the same tactics - repeated takedowns in the same foot. That worked in the first two rounds, but they thought he had to change something, otherwise he gave the third round to Jan.

In social networks, the reaction of the former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria spread. During the announcement of the result, he did not look at the screen, and when he heard about the victory of Jan, he wrinkled.

And the fighter of women’s minimum weight UFC Jessica Penne wrote directly that the victory was given to the wrong person. “I am not a judge. But I thought Merab had won. Regardless, it was an incredible fight! she wrote on page X.

However, there were those who openly supported the Russian. Compatriot Yana and UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev congratulated him on his victory, writing one word on social media - "champion".

UFC heavyweight Shamil Gaziev noted Peter's perfect tactics in this fight: "The perfect plan." He gave 2 rounds to pick up 3s, the fighter wrote on his page in X.

UFC lightweight fighter Adrian Janes offered to extend the series: "Such a great trilogy." Wouldn't mind seeing the best of 7, he wrote in X.

Former UFC fighter Russian Denis Tyulin called Jan “one hundred percent machine”. “I calculated everything as much as possible, made it clear. I was sure he would knock it out in the end. But it was a little short. Generally class! - said Tulyulin "Championship".

Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad noted Jan's stamina: "He survived Merab's cardio, it's crazy." Ian's so cool. What a fight, what a trilogy, Muhammad wrote on his page in X.

He also offered his version of the next opponent, but out of the lightest weight: "Someday I must see Joshua Van vs Peter Yang.".

UFC fighter Michael Chiesa, in turn, noted the accuracy of the Russian in combat: “What a fight! Merab with his trademark pressure, and Ian was such a calculating sniper.” It was a lot of fun, he wrote in X.