Merab Dvalishvili believes his future is mapped out beyond the upcoming Abu Dhabi event.

The former bantamweight champion is set for his chance at redemption in the co-main event of UFC 333 on October 24.

Before two-time featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defends his title against Movsar Evloev in the headliner at the Etihad Arena, Dvalishvili will complete his Petr Yan trilogy with the Russian’s belt on the line.

While ‘The Machine’ has his focus on getting revenge for his loss to ‘No Mercy’, he recently discussed what could lie ahead for him in 2027.

Who finishes this bantamweight trilogy on top at UFC 333? 👀

Merab Dvalishvili says Song Yadong is next after he regains the bantamweight title at UFC 333

The Georgian star enjoyed a record-breaking 2025 as champion, but his reign came to an end at last year’s final event.

Dvalishvili lost to Yan at UFC 323 in their rematch, which came three years after ‘The Machine’ dominated his Russian rival in their first clash.

The former champ is firmly expecting to close out their trilogy on top in Abu Dhabi to begin his second stint on the bantamweight throne.

If he is successful, Dvalishvili believes his attention will then turn to defending against the surging Song Yadong in 2027.

“If I win, Song Yadong is next,” Dvalishvili said during a recent interview with MMA Junkie.

“Because we never fought each other, he’s dangerous, and we always know he has knockout power. If Petr Yan wins, then Sean O’Malley, because they have a history.

“It’s simple this time who’s gonna be next for each other, but I think Song Yadong has to get ready,” he added.

The Chinese contender staked his claim for a first UFC title shot with a memorable performance on home soil this past August.

After beating Deiveson Figueiredo in May, Song knocked out Umar Nurmagomedov to secure a climb up to No. 2 in the Meta UFC bantamweight rankings.