The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Saturday, December 6, for UFC 323, an event headlined by a highly anticipated bantamweight championship rematch. Reigning champion Merab Dvalishvili will put his title on the line against former lineal and interim champion Petr Yan in a bout that promises to deliver high-stakes action and potential divisional shake-ups. The main card is scheduled to commence at 10 p.m. ET, following early preliminary bouts at 6 p.m. ET and preliminary fights at 8 p.m. ET.
Dvalishvili, entering the octagon as the favorite at -410, looks to continue his dominant run. His challenger, Petr Yan, is positioned as the underdog at +320, according to the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook. This championship contest marks a crucial chapter in the careers of both elite bantamweights, building on their previous non-title encounter.
The Main Event: Dvalishvili vs. Yan 2
The clash between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan at UFC 323 is not merely a title fight; it is a significant rematch following their initial encounter at UFC Fight Night 221 in March 2023. In that first bout, Dvalishvili secured a decisive unanimous decision victory over Yan in a non-title five-round main event, showcasing his relentless pressure and grappling prowess. Now, with the bantamweight championship on the line, the stakes are considerably higher for both competitors.
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Merab "The Machine" Dvalishvili, 34, has established himself as one of the most dominant champions in recent UFC history. He carries an impressive 14-bout winning streak into Saturday’s fight, a testament to his unparalleled work rate and conditioning. Dvalishvili captured the UFC bantamweight title by defeating Sean O’Malley via unanimous decision at UFC 306 in September 2024. Since then, he has successfully defended his belt three times, a record for the division. His title defenses include a unanimous decision victory over Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 in January, a submission win over Sean O’Malley at UFC 316 in June, and most recently, a unanimous decision over Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320 on October 4. Dvalishvili holds the distinction of being the first Georgian-born champion in UFC history.
His professional record stands at 21 wins and 4 losses, with three victories by knockout, two by submission, and an impressive 16 by decision. Dvalishvili’s statistical dominance is equally striking; he holds the UFC record for most wins by decision and the most takedowns landed in UFC history with 117. A two-time recipient of both the Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night awards, he currently sits at No. 3 in the highly competitive UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings. His style is characterized by relentless forward pressure, high-volume striking, and an suffocating grappling game that often breaks opponents mentally and physically.
Petr "No Mercy" Yan, 32, aims to reclaim the undisputed bantamweight throne he once held. Yan is a former UFC interim bantamweight champion and a one-time undisputed bantamweight champion, known for his precision striking, tactical acumen, and unwavering aggression. He enters this rematch on a three-bout winning streak, signaling a return to form after a challenging period in his career. Yan’s most recent victory was a unanimous decision over Marcus McGhee at UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. de Ridder on July 26.
Yan began his professional career in December 2014, quickly establishing himself as a formidable force. After compiling an 8-1 record, he joined the UFC in 2018, where he was recognized as the No. 5 Newcomer of the Year. In 2019, he was named a Top-10 Fighter of the Year. Throughout his UFC tenure, Yan has earned three Fight of the Night bonuses and one Performance of the Night award. He is tied for the fourth-longest win streak in UFC bantamweight division history with seven consecutive victories and is tied for the third-most knockdowns in bantamweight history with 10. Currently ranked No. 3 in the UFC bantamweight rankings, Yan’s path back to the title has been arduous, but his recent performances suggest he is once again operating at an elite level. This rematch offers Yan a chance not only to reclaim the title but also to avenge his previous loss to Dvalishvili.
Co-Main Event and Other Key Bouts
The co-main event features another championship contest, as flyweight king Alexandre Pantoja defends his belt against challenger Joshua Van. Pantoja, the defending champion, is favored at -225, while Van is the underdog at +185. Pantoja, known for his aggressive style and submission prowess, has consistently proven himself at the top of the flyweight division. Van, a rising star, will look to capitalize on this significant opportunity to upset the champion and claim his first UFC title.
The main card also features several other compelling matchups that could have significant implications for their respective divisions:
- Brandon Moreno (+110) vs. Tatsuro Taira (-130): This flyweight clash pits former champion Brandon Moreno against the undefeated rising prospect Tatsuro Taira. Moreno, a fan favorite and known for his high-paced, exciting fights, seeks to reassert his position at the top of the division. Taira, with a perfect professional record, aims to make a statement by defeating a former champion and continuing his ascent. The odds suggest a closely contested bout, with Taira slightly favored.
- Henry Cejudo (+205) vs. Payton Talbott (-250): A bantamweight encounter that pits the decorated former two-division champion Henry Cejudo against the promising prospect Payton Talbott. Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, returned from retirement but has faced mixed results. Talbott, a younger, explosive fighter, is heavily favored to overcome the veteran, signaling a potential passing of the torch in the bantamweight division.
- Jan Blachowicz (-110) vs. Bogdan Guskov (-110): This light heavyweight bout presents a classic striker-versus-striker matchup with incredibly tight odds, making it a pick’em. Jan Blachowicz, a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion known for his "Polish Power" and devastating striking, aims to bounce back into title contention. Bogdan Guskov, a dangerous finisher, will look to earn a signature victory against a former champion to elevate his standing in the division.
Expert Insights and Betting Landscape
For those engaging with the betting markets, expert analysis often provides valuable context. Daniel Vithlani, a highly analytical UFC bettor from SportsLine, has established a consistent winning record since his debut in January 2023, boasting a 5-0 record for UFC 283 and accumulating over $1,500 on his UFC main-card picks. His track record includes correctly calling the upset victory for Sean O’Malley (+210) against Aljamain Sterling (-250) at UFC 292 as part of a 4-1 main card. Vithlani also identified underdog selections on Dustin Poirier (+190) against Benoit Saint Denis (-230) and Michael Page (+110) against Kevin Holland (-130) at UFC 299, demonstrating his ability to identify value.
Vithlani has offered a preliminary card pick, backing Chris Duncan (-108) to defeat Terrance McKinney (-112) in a lightweight matchup. "The odds for this matchup surprised me, as I expected Duncan to be a much wider favorite," Vithlani stated. He elaborated on Duncan’s attributes, highlighting his three-fight win streak, 5-1 UFC record, solid kickboxing, lethal chokeholds, and "great durability and determination." Vithlani emphasized Duncan’s "hard-nosed style" and resilience. Conversely, he described McKinney as an "explosive finisher who is always dangerous," noting that in his 17-7 professional career, McKinney’s fights have rarely gone past the first round and he has never reached a decision, being finished in all of his losses. While acknowledging McKinney’s dangerous flying knees and rear-naked chokes, Vithlani concluded, "I believe Duncan’s mentality and physicality will give him the edge. If Duncan lands a heavy counterpunch in traffic, McKinney might not stand back up."
Further detailed picks and analysis for the entire UFC 323 card, including insights into the main event and other key matchups, are available from Vithlani and other experts across various sports betting platforms.
UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs. Yan 2 Main Fight Card, Odds (Subject to Change):
- Merab Dvalishvili (-410) vs. Petr Yan (+320) – UFC Bantamweight Championship
- Alexandre Pantoja (-225) vs. Joshua Van (+185) – UFC Flyweight Championship
- Brandon Moreno (+110) vs. Tatsuro Taira (-130) – Flyweight Bout
- Henry Cejudo (+205) vs. Payton Talbott (-250) – Bantamweight Bout
- Jan Blachowicz (-110) vs. Bogdan Guskov (-110) – Light Heavyweight Bout
UFC 323 promises a night of intense competition, with two championship belts on the line and numerous high-stakes matchups featuring both established stars and rising contenders. Combat sports enthusiasts worldwide will be tuning in to witness the drama unfold in Las Vegas.
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