Chael Sonnen Suggests Merab Dvalishvili's Title Rematch with Petr Yan Could Be Jeopardized

UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen has controversially claimed that the upcoming bout between Sean O’Malley and Aiemann Zahabi, scheduled for June 14, will be contested for the interim UFC bantamweight championship. This assertion, however, currently lacks official confirmation from the UFC.

Merab Dvalishvili has been widely anticipated to face two-time bantamweight champion Petr Yan in a rematch, once Yan fully recovers from his recent back surgery. Yan has already shared training footage, suggesting a potential return to the octagon in the third quarter of 2026.

Meanwhile, Dvalishvili himself sustained another nose injury during training. While a surgical reconstruction is necessary for "The Machine" to perform at his full potential, the Georgian fighter is prioritizing an immediate title rematch against Yan to reclaim his standing. The UFC had reportedly assured him of this championship opportunity.

Despite the severity of his nose injury, Dvalishvili has affirmed his intention to fight this year, deferring reconstructive surgery until after his retirement.

Chael Sonnen's Controversial Statement

The UFC Hall of Famer, Chael Sonnen, recently asserted that the upcoming bout between Sean O’Malley and Aiemann Zahabi on June 14 will surprisingly be for the interim 135-pound championship.

In a recent YouTube video, Sonnen explicitly stated that if O'Malley's fight is indeed elevated to an interim title bout, it would imply two things: well wishes for Petr Yan's recovery, and more significantly, that Merab Dvalishvili might not receive his promised immediate title rematch.

Should Sonnen's information prove accurate, it would directly impact "The Machine," preventing him from receiving the immediate title rematch against Yan that the UFC had reportedly assured him for their anticipated trilogy bout.