Merab eyes Yan trilogy in summer after being 'too focused' in title loss

It appears Merab Dvalishvili 's timeline for return could align him with UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan . After three title defenses, Dvalishvili (21-5 MMA, 14-3 UFC) was dethroned by Yan at UFC 323 , in what was his fourth fight of the year. The strenuous schedule took a toll on "The Machine," who wants to complete his trilogy with Yan after the pair split their first two appearances.

"When I'm happy and I'm having fun, I usually do good," Dvalishvili told MMA Junkie Radio. "I think that's what I missed also in my last fight against Petr. I was a little bit too much focused.

Next time I will be more myself. " Dvalishvili and Yan (20-5 MMA, 12-4 UFC) have been sidelined due to injury. Yan underwent back surgery for what he described as a minor procedure, and Dvalishvili broke his nose .

Both fighters are targeting a return in summer. "This year, I want to have two fights: probably trilogy in summer against Petr Yan and one more this year," Dvalishvili said. "Who knows?