UFC 323 Main Card Combatants Convene for Highly Anticipated Pre-Fight Press Conference

The mixed martial arts world turned its attention to the UFC 323 pre-fight press conference on Thursday, December 4, 2025, as the marquee athletes slated for Saturday’s monumental fight card gathered to address the media and engage in their final face-offs before stepping into the octagon. Scheduled to commence at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, the event served as a crucial platform for the main card participants, including bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and his challenger Petr Yan, to articulate their strategies, motivations, and expectations for the upcoming battles. The press conference, a traditional precursor to major UFC events, plays a pivotal role in building anticipation and providing insight into the mental states of the fighters.

Headlining the proceedings was the highly anticipated bantamweight championship rematch between the reigning king, Merab Dvalishvili, and former division monarch, Petr Yan. Dvalishvili enters this bout in pursuit of a remarkable and record-breaking fourth title defense within the calendar year of 2025, a testament to his unparalleled activity and dominance in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions. With an impressive professional record of 18 wins and 4 losses, Dvalishvili has carved out a reputation for his relentless pace, suffocating wrestling, and seemingly inexhaustible cardio. His current ten-fight win streak includes victories over a gauntlet of top contenders, solidifying his status as the division’s undisputed leader. The "Machine," as he is known, has systematically dismantled opponents with his high-volume grappling, consistently dictating the tempo and location of his fights. His journey to the summit of the bantamweight division has been marked by a methodical ascent, culminating in his championship victory and subsequent defenses, each reinforcing his strategic mastery and physical prowess.

Across from Dvalishvili stood Petr Yan, a fighter whose technical striking and calculated aggression previously earned him the bantamweight title. Yan, with a professional record of 16 wins and 5 losses, has faced a challenging path since his initial championship reign, encountering both controversial defeats and tough competitive matchups. Known for his crisp boxing, devastating body shots, and exceptional counter-striking ability, Yan possesses the tools to trouble any opponent in the division. His first encounter with Dvalishvili, which took place in the main event of UFC Las Vegas in March 2023, resulted in a lopsided unanimous decision loss for Yan. In that contest, Dvalishvili’s relentless pressure and takedowns stifled Yan’s offensive rhythm, preventing the Russian striker from finding his range and executing his trademark combinations. The rematch presents Yan with an opportunity for redemption, a chance to reclaim the championship and reassert his position at the pinnacle of the bantamweight division. The press conference provided the first direct confrontation since their initial bout, offering a glimpse into Yan’s adjustments and Dvalishvili’s unwavering confidence. Discussions were expected to revolve around Yan’s revised game plan to counter Dvalishvili’s wrestling and the champion’s assertion of his continued dominance.

The co-main event spotlighted the equally compelling flyweight championship clash between current titleholder Alexandre Pantoja and the surging challenger Joshua Van. Pantoja, boasting a formidable record of 29 wins and 5 losses, has established himself as a truly elite flyweight, renowned for his aggressive submission game and powerful, unorthodox striking. The Brazilian champion’s path to the title was paved with a series of high-stakes victories, culminating in his capture of the belt and subsequent successful defenses against top-tier contenders. Pantoja’s fights are characterized by their frenetic pace and his willingness to engage in thrilling exchanges, often leading to decisive finishes. His experience in championship rounds and against diverse stylistic matchups makes him a formidable opponent.

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Challenging Pantoja is Joshua Van, an exciting prospect who has rapidly ascended the flyweight ranks. Van, with an impressive 10 wins and only 1 loss, has demonstrated an electrifying blend of speed, striking accuracy, and unwavering aggression since his arrival in the UFC. Undefeated in his promotional tenure, Van has captivated audiences with his dynamic performances, showcasing a fearless approach and a clear ambition for championship gold. This title shot represents the biggest opportunity of Van’s burgeoning career, a chance to etch his name into UFC history by dethroning an established champion. The press conference was anticipated to feature a stark contrast in personalities: Pantoja’s seasoned, championship demeanor against Van’s youthful exuberance and fierce determination to seize the moment. Verbal exchanges were expected to highlight the champion’s experience and the challenger’s hunger.

Further down the main card, a pivotal 125-pound matchup promised significant title implications, featuring former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno against the undefeated Japanese sensation Tatsuro Taira. Moreno, with a professional record of 21 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, remains one of the flyweight division’s most popular and skilled competitors. Known for his dynamic striking, slick submissions, and unwavering resilience, Moreno has engaged in some of the most memorable fights in flyweight history, including his iconic rivalry with Deiveson Figueiredo. After a period of exchanging the title, Moreno is now focused on orchestrating another run at the championship, making this fight a critical step in his comeback narrative. His recent performances have shown glimpses of his championship form, indicating his continued threat in the division.

Opposing Moreno is Tatsuro Taira, an undefeated fighter who has quickly garnered attention for his exceptional talent and well-rounded skill set. With a perfect professional record of 16 wins and 0 losses, including a flawless 5-0 record in the UFC, Taira represents the new wave of flyweight talent. His grappling prowess, combined with an ever-improving striking game, has seen him dispatch opponents with efficiency and flair. This bout against a former champion like Moreno serves as a definitive litmus test for Taira, offering him the opportunity to prove his readiness for title contention against one of the division’s enduring figures. The press conference interaction between Moreno, a seasoned veteran seeking redemption, and Taira, a rising star aiming to maintain his undefeated streak, was expected to be a respectful yet intense affair, underscoring the high stakes of their contest.

Adding a poignant note to the press conference was the appearance of former two-division champion and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo. This event marked Cejudo’s final pre-fight press conference as he prepares for his retirement fight against Payton Talbott on Saturday’s card. "Triple C," with a professional record of 16 wins and 4 losses, has cemented his legacy as one of the most accomplished combat athletes in history, holding titles simultaneously in both the flyweight and bantamweight divisions. After an initial retirement and subsequent return to the sport, Cejudo has now made the definitive decision to conclude his storied career. His final walk to the octagon will be against Payton Talbott, a promising prospect with a record of 8 wins and 1 loss. Talbott, known for his aggressive striking and knockout power, has the monumental task of facing a legend in his farewell bout. For Talbott, this is an unparalleled opportunity to elevate his profile significantly by potentially spoiling Cejudo’s retirement. The press conference provided Cejudo a platform to reflect on his illustrious career, his motivations for retirement, and his final thoughts before his last professional fight. Meanwhile, Talbott was expected to express his respect for Cejudo’s legacy while simultaneously articulating his intent to perform at his best and secure a career-defining victory.

The UFC 323 press conference, broadcast globally, served as the final public forum for these athletes to engage with the media and their opponents, setting the stage for a night of high-stakes combat. Each fighter’s appearance, their demeanor, and their verbal exchanges contributed to the narrative leading into Saturday’s event, solidifying UFC 323 as one of the most anticipated cards of the year. The gravity of the championship bouts, coupled with the critical contender matchups and a legendary fighter’s farewell, ensured a captivating and memorable press conference, fueling fan excitement for the impending octagon battles.

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