UFC 323 Set to Conclude UFC's Pay-Per-View and ESPN Eras with Two Championship Rematches in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV – December 1, 2025 – The Ultimate Fighting Championship is poised to deliver a monumental close to its pay-per-view and ESPN broadcast eras with UFC 323, a card headlined by two highly anticipated championship rematches at the T-Mobile Arena this Saturday. The event is scheduled to feature Merab Dvalishvili defending his bantamweight title against former champion Petr Yan, while Alexandre Pantoja puts his flyweight belt on the line against the rapidly ascending contender, Joshua Van. This card not only caps off the UFC’s calendar year but also marks a significant transition in its broadcast strategy, signaling a new chapter for the global mixed martial arts leader.

In the main event, Merab "The Machine" Dvalishvili (20-4 MMA, 11-2 UFC) aims to solidify his claim as the undisputed Fighter of the Year for 2025, seeking a record-breaking fourth title defense of the calendar year. His opponent, Petr "No Mercy" Yan (18-5 MMA, 9-4 UFC), is determined to exact revenge for his previous loss to Dvalishvili and reclaim the bantamweight championship, a title he once held with an iron grip. The first encounter between these two elite bantamweights, which took place in early 2024, saw Dvalishvili emerge victorious via unanimous decision after a grueling five-round battle, characterized by his relentless grappling pressure and cardio advantage.

Dvalishvili’s reign since capturing the bantamweight title has been nothing short of dominant. After defeating Yan, he went on to defend his title successfully against top contenders, showcasing a continuously evolving striking game coupled with his hallmark, high-volume wrestling. His victories this year include a unanimous decision over Sean O’Malley in April, a second-round submission against Cory Sandhagen in July, and a hard-fought decision win against Marlon Vera in October. These performances have underscored his incredible durability, pace, and strategic acumen, making him a formidable champion. Dvalishvili averages an astounding 7.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, with a success rate of 48%, significantly higher than the division average. His striking defense, at 61%, complements his offensive wrestling, allowing him to navigate exchanges while constantly threatening the takedown.

Petr Yan, meanwhile, has endured a more tumultuous path since their initial meeting. Following the loss to Dvalishvili, Yan faced a period of introspection and a challenging run, including a controversial split-decision loss to a rising contender. However, he has since rebounded with two impressive victories, demonstrating the precision striking and tactical brilliance that defined his initial championship reign. His most recent outing saw him secure a decisive knockout victory over Ricky Simon in August, reminding the division of his dangerous power and technical prowess. Yan boasts a striking accuracy of 58%, landing an average of 5.0 significant strikes per minute, and maintains an impressive 88% takedown defense rate, a crucial statistic given Dvalishvili’s primary offensive weapon. For Yan, this rematch is not just about reclaiming gold; it’s about re-establishing his legacy as one of the most technically gifted bantamweights in the sport’s history and avenging a pivotal loss on his record.

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"The stylistic matchup remains compelling," stated veteran MMA analyst John Kavanagh. "Dvalishvili’s relentless forward pressure and suffocating grappling are a nightmare for many, but Yan has some of the best defensive wrestling and counter-striking in the game. The key will be if Yan can consistently deny the takedown and make Dvalishvili pay in the striking exchanges, or if Merab can wear him down over five rounds like he did previously." The conditioning of both fighters will undoubtedly be tested, particularly in the championship rounds, a domain where Dvalishvili has repeatedly proven his superiority.

The co-main event features another high-stakes championship rematch, as reigning flyweight king Alexandre "The Cannibal" Pantoja (30-5 MMA, 13-3 UFC) defends his title against the surging sensation, Joshua Van (15-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC). Pantoja, widely considered a pound-for-pound great, is seeking to make his fifth successful title defense, extending an already impressive reign characterized by aggressive striking and world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His journey to the top of the flyweight division has been marked by a series of high-profile victories, including his initial title capture against Brandon Moreno in 2023. This year alone, Pantoja has defended his title against Manel Kape in March, Brandon Royval in June, and Muhammad Mokaev in September, showcasing his versatility and championship grit in each outing.

Pantoja’s statistical profile reflects his well-rounded aggression: he lands 4.8 significant strikes per minute with 49% accuracy and attempts an average of 2.1 takedowns per 15 minutes with 45% success. His significant strike defense stands at 51%, indicating his willingness to engage while mitigating damage. His submission game is also a constant threat, with over half of his professional victories coming by way of tap-out.

On the opposing side, Joshua Van’s ascent has been meteoric. Making his fourth appearance of 2025, Van has ripped through the flyweight division with a combination of explosive striking and youthful aggression, culminating in this title shot. Van’s impressive 4-0 run in 2025, all finishes, has positioned him as one of the most exciting prospects in the sport. His rapid rise, combined with his age (he will be 23 at fight night), presents the opportunity for him to become one of the youngest world champions in UFC history, a distinction currently held by Jon Jones. Van’s striking output is exceptional, landing 6.5 significant strikes per minute with 55% accuracy, and his finishing rate is nearly 80% across his professional career, with a majority coming by knockout. His takedown defense, while less tested against top-tier grapplers, stands at 75%.

"Van represents a unique challenge for Pantoja," observed veteran coach Robert Follis. "His youth, speed, and raw power are undeniable. Pantoja has faced elite competition throughout his career, but Van’s momentum and finishing instincts could make this a very dangerous fight for the champion. Pantoja will need to rely on his experience and diverse skillset to neutralize Van’s offensive onslaught." The fight is expected to be a high-paced affair, with Pantoja looking to drag Van into deep waters, testing his cardio and grappling defense, while Van will likely seek to capitalize on any opening to land a fight-ending blow early.

Beyond the two championship contests, UFC 323 carries historical weight as the final event under the organization’s existing pay-per-view and ESPN broadcast agreement. While specifics regarding the UFC’s future broadcast partnerships remain officially undisclosed, industry insiders speculate about a transition to an exclusive streaming platform or a new broadcast partner, emphasizing the UFC’s continued evolution in sports media. The event’s significance extends beyond the cage, marking a definitive end to an era that saw the UFC reach unprecedented global viewership and revenue.

The undercard for UFC 323 is expected to feature a strong lineup of contenders and rising stars, though specific matchups are subject to change. The overall card is designed to provide depth and entertainment, leading into the two pivotal championship bouts. Fans attending the T-Mobile Arena and those watching globally will witness not only high-level athletic competition but also a historic moment in the UFC’s broadcast journey. As the countdown video for UFC 323 highlights, the stakes are exceptionally high for all involved, promising an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts action to close out 2025.