Nevada Athletic Commission Appoints Key Officials for Blockbuster UFC 323 Main and Co-Main Events.

The Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) has officially announced the referee and judging assignments for the highly anticipated main and co-main events of UFC 323, scheduled for December 6 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The selections, made during a monthly meeting on Wednesday, underscore the commission’s commitment to ensuring experienced and impartial oversight for two of the year’s most significant championship bouts.

Headlining the final pay-per-view event of 2025, the bantamweight championship rematch between reigning titleholder Merab Dvalishvili and former champion Petr Yan will be officiated by veteran referee Marc Goddard. Goddard, a widely respected figure in mixed martial arts, will command a fee of $2,900 for his duties. The critical task of scoring the five-round championship contest falls to a trio of seasoned judges: Mike Bell, Derek Cleary, and Eric Colon, each set to receive $2,500 for their participation in the event.

The selection of officials for this main event is particularly scrutinized given the history between Dvalishvili and Yan. Their first encounter, a dominant unanimous decision victory for Dvalishvili at UFC 286 in March 2023, saw "The Machine" relentlessly pursue takedowns and control Yan for the majority of the fight. Dvalishvili’s performance cemented his status as a top contender and ultimately propelled him to the championship, which he secured in late 2024 by defeating Aljamain Sterling. Since then, the Georgian powerhouse has successfully defended his title twice, first against a resurgent Cory Sandhagen in early 2025 and then a decisive victory over Marlon Vera in mid-2025, showcasing his improved striking to complement his world-class grappling. This upcoming bout against Yan marks his fourth consecutive title defense and his third in the calendar year 2025, a testament to his activity and dominance in the bantamweight division.

Merab Dvalishvili, boasting a professional record of 20-4, enters this rematch on an impressive 11-fight winning streak. Known for his seemingly boundless cardio and relentless pressure, Dvalishvili’s style often overwhelms opponents, forcing them into defensive positions and grinding them down over multiple rounds. His wrestling credentials, honed through a lifetime of grappling, have proven to be a formidable asset in the octagon, allowing him to dictate the pace and location of his fights. Analysts suggest that Dvalishvili’s ability to maintain a high output for 25 minutes will once again be a key factor against Yan.

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Petr "No Mercy" Yan, with a record of 17-6, is a former UFC Bantamweight Champion renowned for his elite striking technique, tactical approach, and formidable defensive grappling. After his loss to Dvalishvili, Yan embarked on a redemption path, securing crucial victories over top-ranked contenders Song Yadong and Rob Font in 2024 to re-establish his claim for a title shot. His journey back to the championship picture underscores his resilience and unwavering determination to reclaim the belt he once held. Yan’s precise boxing, devastating leg kicks, and ability to counter-strike effectively make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. The motivation for Yan in this rematch is immense; a victory would not only avenge his previous defeat but also restore him to the pinnacle of the bantamweight division. The tactical adjustments made by Yan and his coaching staff will be under intense scrutiny, particularly regarding his takedown defense and ability to escape Dvalishvili’s suffocating top control.

The co-main event, a highly anticipated flyweight championship clash, will see current titleholder Alexandre Pantoja defend his belt against the rapidly ascending challenger Joshua Van. Overseeing this electrifying encounter will be another legendary figure in MMA officiating, Herb Dean. Dean, known for his calm demeanor and extensive experience in high-stakes bouts, will ensure the safety and fairness of the contest. The judging panel for the flyweight title fight consists of Sal D’Amato, Chris Lee, and Ron McCarthy, all respected veterans within the sport’s judging community.

Alexandre "The Cannibal" Pantoja, with a formidable record of 30-5, captured the UFC Flyweight Championship in a thrilling bout against rival Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 in July 2023. Since then, Pantoja has successfully defended his title twice, showcasing his aggressive, well-rounded skill set. His first defense came against Brandon Royval in a grueling five-round war in early 2025, followed by a dominant submission victory over Kai Kara-France mid-year. Pantoja’s fighting style is characterized by relentless forward pressure, powerful striking, and an exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game, making him a constant threat whether the fight is standing or on the ground. His championship reign has been marked by exciting, high-pace encounters, solidifying his reputation as one of the most entertaining champions in the UFC.

Challenging Pantoja is the rapidly emerging star Joshua Van, who enters the contest with an impressive professional record of 12-1. Van’s ascent through the flyweight ranks has been nothing short of meteoric, marked by a five-fight winning streak within the UFC since his debut in late 2023. His explosive striking, quick footwork, and demonstrated ability to finish opponents have garnered significant attention from fans and pundits alike. Notable victories over seasoned contenders such as Manel Kape and Amir Albazi have fast-tracked Van into a championship opportunity, showcasing his potential to become a dominant force in the division. His youth and hunger present a unique challenge for the veteran champion Pantoja, and the stylistic clash between Pantoja’s aggression and Van’s dynamic striking promises a compelling title fight.

The Nevada Athletic Commission plays a crucial role in regulating combat sports within the state, setting the standards for fighter safety, competition integrity, and fair adjudication. The selection process for referees and judges involves careful consideration of their experience, impartiality, and track record in handling high-pressure situations. Marc Goddard and Herb Dean are consistently chosen for high-profile bouts due to their extensive knowledge of the unified rules of MMA and their ability to make critical decisions under pressure. Similarly, the appointed judges possess significant experience scoring championship-level fights, a vital attribute given the fine margins often observed in elite mixed martial arts. Their consistent application of the scoring criteria is paramount to maintaining the integrity of the sport.

UFC 323 is poised to be a landmark event, serving as the capstone for the UFC’s 2025 pay-per-view calendar. The T-Mobile Arena, a venue synonymous with major combat sports events, is expected to host a capacity crowd eager to witness these championship battles. While the main and co-main event officials have been confirmed, the remaining referee and judging assignments for the preliminary and undercard bouts will be finalized during fight week, ensuring comprehensive oversight for the entire card. The careful selection of officials for these pivotal matchups underscores the significance of UFC 323 and the organization’s commitment to delivering a fair and thrilling spectacle for global audiences.