UFC 323: Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili to Pursue Historic Fourth Title Defense Against Petr Yan in Las Vegas Main Event

Las Vegas, NV – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to cap off its 2025 pay-per-view schedule with a high-stakes championship doubleheader, as Merab Dvalishvili will defend his bantamweight title against former champion Petr Yan in the main event of UFC 323 on December 6. UFC CEO Dana White formally announced the highly anticipated card Monday, confirming a second championship bout featuring flyweight king Alexandre Pantoja against surging contender Joshua Van, alongside other significant matchups. The event, slated for a yet-to-be-disclosed venue in Las Vegas, underscores the promotion’s commitment to delivering compelling narratives and elite competition as the year draws to a close.

The headline attraction at 135 pounds represents a pivotal rematch and a potential entry into the UFC record books for the reigning champion. Merab Dvalishvili (22-4 MMA, 12-2 UFC), fresh off a successful defense against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320, had openly expressed his desire for a rapid return to the Octagon. His wish has been granted, providing him with a unique opportunity to etch his name into UFC history. Should Dvalishvili defeat Yan, he would become the first fighter in UFC history to defend a title four times within a single calendar year. This remarkable run began with a dominant decision victory over then-undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov in January, followed by a decisive triumph against Sean O’Malley in June, before his most recent outing against Sandhagen. Dvalishvili’s relentless wrestling, unparalleled cardio, and improved striking have established him as one of the most formidable champions in the sport, boasting a twelve-fight winning streak since his last professional defeat in 2018. His strategic approach, often characterized by high-volume takedowns and constant pressure, has proven difficult for opponents to counteract, solidifying his reign atop the bantamweight division.

Challenging Dvalishvili for the second time is Petr Yan (19-5 MMA, 8-4 UFC), a former bantamweight champion known for his clinical striking and iron will. The two first met in March 2023, a bout that saw Dvalishvili emerge victorious via unanimous decision, extending Yan’s challenging period. That contest marked Yan’s third consecutive loss, a streak that began with his controversial disqualification loss to Aljamain Sterling, costing him the bantamweight title, followed by a split decision defeat to Sean O’Malley. However, the Russian phenom has since meticulously rebuilt his contention case, securing three consecutive victories to battle his way back to the pinnacle of the division. His resurgence includes a dominant unanimous decision over Marlon Vera in November 2023, a TKO win against Song Yadong in March, and a hard-fought split decision victory against Rob Font in July. Yan’s disciplined boxing, exceptional counter-striking, and resilience have been key to his turnaround, demonstrating his unwavering determination to reclaim the championship he once held. This rematch offers Yan a chance not only at redemption but also to halt Dvalishvili’s historic title defense campaign, presenting a compelling clash of styles and narratives.

The co-main event promises another electrifying championship contest, as flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja (31-5 MMA, 15-3 UFC) puts his belt on the line against the rapidly ascending Joshua Van (13-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC). Pantoja, who captured the flyweight title by defeating Brandon Moreno in a thrilling encounter in July 2023, has since established himself as a dominant force in the 125-pound division. The Brazilian champion is currently riding an impressive eight-fight winning streak, a run that includes five victories in championship bouts. His recent title defenses have seen him overcome the challenges of Brandon Royval via unanimous decision in December 2023 and an impressive submission victory over Muhammad Mokaev in May. Pantoja’s aggressive style, characterized by dangerous striking and elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, makes him a threat in every phase of a fight. His journey to the title was a culmination of years of consistent performances against top-tier contenders, and he has successfully defended his belt against the division’s best since ascending to the throne.

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Facing Pantoja is Joshua Van, a dynamic and explosive fighter who has quickly become one of the most exciting prospects in the UFC. Van, who earned his spot in the promotion through Dana White’s Contender Series, has stormed his way to a title shot with five consecutive victories within the UFC, showcasing remarkable finishing prowess and an unyielding offensive output. His ascent has been particularly swift in 2025, with two impressive victories in June alone. Van first secured a first-round knockout over Matt Schnell, followed by a dominant unanimous decision win against Amir Albazi just weeks later. Prior to that, Van had showcased his versatility with a TKO win over Manel Kape in January and a decision over Tatsuro Taira in March, establishing himself as a legitimate threat to the division’s elite. At 23 years old, Van represents a fresh challenge for Pantoja, bringing youth, speed, and unpredictable striking to the championship stage, making this co-main event a fascinating clash between an experienced champion and a hungry, rising star.

Beyond the twin title fights, UFC 323 is set to feature a pair of non-title bouts with significant implications for their respective divisions. In the bantamweight division, former two-division champion Henry Cejudo (18-5 MMA, 12-5 UFC) is scheduled to face the promising Payton Talbott (9-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) at 135 pounds. Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling and former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion, returned from a three-year retirement in 2023 but has struggled to regain his previous form. After a split decision loss to Aljamain Sterling for the bantamweight title, he secured a unanimous decision victory over Marlon Vera in April. "Triple C" will be looking to solidify his position in the stacked bantamweight division against Talbott, a rising contender who has rapidly built an impressive resume since joining the UFC. Talbott, known for his aggressive striking and knockout power, has dispatched his last three opponents in the UFC via TKO/KO, most recently stopping Raul Rosas Jr. in June. This bout represents a classic veteran-versus-prospect matchup, with Cejudo aiming to prove his enduring elite status and Talbott seeking a career-defining win against a future Hall of Famer.

In the light heavyweight division, former champion Jan Blachowicz (29-12-1 MMA, 12-9-1 UFC) will look to snap a challenging three-fight winless skid against the surging Bogdan Guskov (18-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC). Blachowicz, celebrated for his "Polish Power" and knockout capabilities, captured the light heavyweight title in 2020 but has faced a difficult period since losing the belt to Glover Teixeira. His recent struggles include a TKO loss to Alex Pereira for the vacant light heavyweight title in January, a split draw against Magomed Ankalaev in a five-round contest, and a unanimous decision defeat to Jiri Prochazka in July. At 41, Blachowicz is under pressure to demonstrate he can still compete at the highest level and reverse his fortunes against a dangerous opponent. Guskov, meanwhile, is riding a four-fight winning streak, showcasing impressive finishing abilities. His recent UFC outings include a first-round knockout of Khalil Rountree Jr. in May and a TKO victory over Ryan Spann in March. The Uzbek fighter, known for his aggressive striking and willingness to engage, poses a significant threat to Blachowicz’s attempts to regain momentum, making this a crucial crossroads fight for both men in the 205-pound division.

UFC 323 is poised to be a pivotal event, shaping the landscape of three distinct weight classes and offering a blend of championship drama, redemption stories, and the emergence of new talent within the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization.