5 fighters to keep a close eye on at UFC Fight Night: Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili

This weekend, the UFC returns to Las Vegas for its latest Fight Night event. On paper at least, it looks like a strong card.

UFC Fight Night: Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili features a number of high-level contenders, and so there are plenty of fighters worth watching.

Whether these fighters pick up the wins they need to move into title contention remains to be seen. However, it’s definitely worth tuning in to see them in action this weekend.

Here are five fighters to keep an eye on at UFC Fight Night: Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili.

#5. Said Nurmagomedov – UFC bantamweight

Said Nurmagomedov looks like a red-hot bantamweight prospect

It’s arguable that bantamweight Said Nurmagomedov is the best prospect for the future on this weekend’s card.

Ranked at No.14 in the UFC’s 135-pound division, the native of Dagestan boasts an impressive record of 17-2. He’s put together a total of six wins in the octagon with just one loss in return.

Right now, he’s riding a four-fight win streak, finishing three of his foes, including the ultra-tough Saidyokub Kakhramonov in his most recent fight.

Nurmagomedov was not perfect in that bout, as he found things tough against Kakhramonov before catching him in a slick choke variant in the second round. However, he showed that even when his back is against the wall, he can find a way to win.

Talk about flipping the script!!

Said Nurmagomedov comes through with the sub late in Round 2 💪 #UFCVegas66 https://t.co/KfYbYhvepN

This weekend sees him matched with Jonathan Martinez. While a win over ‘The Dragon’ isn’t likely to advance him in the rankings, it’d still be impressive.

After all, Martinez is also on a four-bout win streak, has won six of his last seven fights, and most recently stopped veteran Cub Swanson.

When you add in the fact that he’s been handed a main card showcase, this is a huge chance for Nurmagomedov to really make a name for himself. A win here could put him into the lower end of the title picture, making him a man to watch closely.

#4. Ryan Spann – UFC light heavyweight

Ryan Spann is coming into this weekend's fight off the back of the biggest win of his career

One of the bigger fights on this weekend’s event is a 215-pound catchweight bout between Ryan Spann and Nikita Krylov.

These two light heavyweights were supposed to headline a UFC Fight Night event a few weeks back, but the bout was cancelled due to Krylov suffering from an illness. With that, it was rebooked for this event.

Of the two, though, it’s Spann who is probably worth keeping a closer eye on. Krylov has been around for a long time, but he’s already hit his ceiling on a number of occasions.

‘Superman’, on the other hand, is coming off the biggest win of his career over Dominick Reyes. A win over ‘The Miner’ might be enough to move him into genuine title contention. After all, Krylov is currently ranked two spots above Spann at No.6.

SUPERMAN RYAN SPANN OH MY!!!!!!! 😱

@Superman_Spann leaves Dom Reyes LAYING. WOW. #UFC281 https://t.co/b6wh30EmAl

Spann will need to be careful, of course. Krylov is an aggressive finisher from all areas, and Spann has not always looked that durable in the past. If he can win here, though, it’d give him a huge boost, making him worth watching this weekend.

#3. Alexander Romanov – UFC heavyweight contender

Alexander Romanov's ground game could give him the edge against Alexander Volkov

This weekend’s co-main event sees heavyweights Alexander Volkov and Alexander Romanov squaring off. Interestingly, like the Krylov vs. Spann bout, it features two well-matched fighters, but only one has hit his ceiling previously.

We know that Volkov isn’t quite up to breaking into the UFC heavyweight title picture, but what of Romanov? ‘King Kong’ has lost just once in the octagon, and that defeat was somewhat controversial.

Many fans believed he did enough to stop Marcin Tybura in the first round, but referee Jason Herzog disagreed. The veteran came back in the final two rounds, but some think Romanov did at least warrant a draw.

Either way, the native of Moldova should present Volkov with plenty of problems this weekend. He’s big, powerful, has a nasty takedown, and is dangerous from the top with strikes and submissions. That's something his previous 16 opponents found out to their detriment.

1️⃣6️⃣-0️⃣

@KongRomanov came in to handle BUSINESS.

[ #UFCVegas53 | Prelims LIVE on ESPN 2 ] https://t.co/wlUttQucl3

If he can avoid running out of steam, as he did against Tybura, then this should be a winnable fight for him, as ‘Drago’ has struggled with similar opponents before.

Therefore, this is a chance for ‘King Kong’ to break into the division’s top 10, making him a fighter to keep a close eye on.

#2. Petr Yan – UFC bantamweight

Petr Yan's back is against the wall coming into this weekend's event

It’s safe to say that this weekend’s main event is an absolutely brilliant bantamweight clash, featuring former UFC champion Petr Yan and high-level contender Merab Dvalishvili facing off in the octagon.

Naturally, it’s worth keeping a close eye on both men, but it’s probably Yan who needs a win more desperately.

‘No Mercy’ has lost his last two bouts, falling to current titleholder Aljamain Sterling and highly rated contender Sean O’Malley.

AFTER A WILD FIGHT, SEAN O'MALLEY DEFEATS PETR YAN BY SPLIT DECISION 😮 #UFC280 https://t.co/Hm08QAY83W

Both fights were very close to call and many fans felt Yan won them both. However, it’s safe to say that the unstoppable aura he had around him prior and during his title reign is well and truly shattered.

A win over Dvalishvili, who is riding a lengthy eight-fight win streak dating back to 2018, would do much to restore Yan’s reputation. However, stylistically, the Georgian looks like a very difficult match for ‘No Mercy’.

Three straight losses would not only push Yan firmly out of title contention, but they’d also put his future with the promotion under threat. Therefore, it’s safe to say that the Russian is in a must-win situation this weekend.

Whether he can produce the goods with his back against the wall is very much up for debate, but that’s why his fight is a must-see affair.

#1. Merab Dvalishvili – UFC bantamweight

Merab Dvalishvili could put himself in line for a title shot with a win this weekend

The other fighter involved in this weekend’s headline bout is also a man well worth keeping an eye on. Right now, Merab Dvalishvili is riding the hottest win streak in the UFC’s bantamweight division.

He has won his past eight bouts in the octagon, not suffering a loss since April 2018. He’s also been dispatching tougher opponents each time he fights. Most recently, he came from behind to stop Marlon Moraes, and then retired the legendary Jose Aldo last year.

Nothing but respect between Aldo and Dvalishvili 👏 #UFC278 https://t.co/kc7JTbp11H

‘The Machine’ might not be the most entertaining fighter to watch thanks to his wrestling-heavy style, but it’s a style he should probably look to stick to if he wants to beat Petr Yan.

‘No Mercy’ struggled with the takedowns of Dvalishvili’s training partner Aljamain Sterling. Hypothetically, at least, there’s no reason why ‘The Machine’ can’t replicate that gameplan to great effect.

However, it’s also safe to say that the Georgian has never faced a striker quite so deadly as Yan, as Aldo was past his prime when they squared off.

Essentially, if Dvalishvili can beat Yan, even if he only outpoints him rather than finishing him, it’ll be hard not to start thinking about him fighting for the title in the near future.

Whether he’ll ever be willing to face Sterling is another thing, but ‘The Machine’ needs to cross this bridge first – and it’ll be fascinating to see him try.