Reigning UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and former titleholder Petr Yan are set to clash once again, but this time, the battle begins outside the Octagon. The two top-tier bantamweights will serve as rival coaches on the upcoming season of "Hype Reality," a Russian MMA reality show inspired by The Ultimate Fighter (TUF).
Dvalishvili and Yan have a history dating back to their 2023 fight at UFC Las Vegas, where "The Machine" secured a dominant decision win over the former champion. Since then, Dvalishvili has continued his rise, ultimately capturing and defending the 135-pound championship. Meanwhile, Yan bounced back from a tough stretch with back-to-back victories over Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo, proving he remains a top contender.
The announcement of their involvement in "Hype Reality" has sparked excitement among MMA fans, as the show promises intense rivalries, elite coaching, and an inside look at the grueling preparation that goes into competing at the highest level. The series, which previously featured notable names like Arman Tsarukyan and Khamzat Chimaev, aims to showcase rising talent under the guidance of two of the most skilled bantamweights in the UFC.
Details regarding the show's streaming platform and release date are yet to be confirmed. While Yan is likely to compete again soon, Dvalishvili appears to be waiting for his next title defense. If their paths cross again in the Octagon, it could set up a highly anticipated rematch between these elite 135-pound fighters.