UFC 323: Championship Legacy and Rising Stars Converge in Las Vegas

UFC 323 is poised to mark a significant juncture in the sport, potentially concluding an era of dominant title reigns while simultaneously showcasing the ascent of a new generation of talent. The event, scheduled for Saturday, December 6, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, features two pivotal championship bouts that could dramatically reshape the landscape of the bantamweight and flyweight divisions heading into 2026. Beyond the title fights, the main card also highlights intriguing matchups between seasoned veterans and emerging contenders, promising an evening of high-stakes mixed martial arts.

The preliminary card for UFC 323 begins at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+, Disney+, and FX, followed by the four-fight preliminary card at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2, ESPN+, Disney+, and FX. The five-fight main card commences at 10 p.m. ET, exclusively available on ESPN+ pay-per-view.

Bantamweight Championship: Merab Dvalishvili (1, P4P-3) vs. Petr Yan (5)

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The headlining bout of UFC 323 features a highly anticipated rematch for the Bantamweight Championship, with Merab Dvalishvili defending his title against former champion Petr Yan. Dvalishvili enters this contest with the ambitious goal of becoming the first UFC fighter in history to successfully defend a title four times within a single calendar year, an unprecedented feat that underscores his relentless activity and dominance. Known for his ceaseless pace and powerful wrestling, Dvalishvili has maintained an impressive 14-fight winning streak, demonstrating an ability to overwhelm opponents with pressure and takedowns.

Petr Yan, ranked fifth in the division, seeks to reclaim the championship he once held. A technical striker renowned for his precision, counter-punching, and ability to absorb punishment, Yan presents a formidable challenge. Their first encounter, a closely contested affair, saw Dvalishvili emerge victorious, primarily through his wrestling control. For Yan to reverse that outcome, a crucial adjustment will be his ability to maintain distance and thwart Dvalishvili’s takedown attempts. Analysts suggest that Yan’s path to victory lies in consistently stuffing takedowns, remaining upright, and stringing together effective striking combinations to accrue damage and win rounds. Both fighters are not typically fast starters, potentially leaving the initial round open for either combatant to establish dominance.

Dvalishvili’s striking has shown notable improvements since their initial meeting, indicating he is less of a "sitting duck" even if his takedown attempts are initially thwarted. However, he has been tagged in recent defenses against Sean O’Malley and Cory Sandhagen, suggesting a vulnerability that Yan’s precision striking could exploit. A critical factor in this bout is the strenuous schedule Dvalishvili has undertaken. This will mark his third five-round championship fight in six months, raising questions about the cumulative physical toll on his body. While Dvalishvili’s resilience is well-documented, the sustained intensity of his championship run could present an opening for Yan, who will aim to capitalize on any signs of fatigue. Rematches in mixed martial arts are rarely carbon copies of their predecessors, offering Yan a renewed sense of hope, though Dvalishvili’s specialty often involves extinguishing such aspirations.

Flyweight Championship: Alexandre Pantoja (1, P4P-4) vs. Joshua Van (2)

In the co-main event, Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja defends his title against the rapidly ascending Joshua Van. Pantoja, who holds the longest active title defense streak among current champions, aims for his fifth consecutive defense. While unlikely to surpass Demetrious Johnson’s divisional record of 11 title defenses, Pantoja has solidified his status as a dominant force in the 125-pound division through his aggressive fighting style, potent striking, and world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Joshua Van, a prodigious talent, presents one of the most compelling narratives on the card. His professional debut in October 2021 occurred when Pantoja already boasted a 24-5 record and was deep into his climb up the flyweight ranks. Despite this significant experience gap, Van has compiled an astonishing 17 fights in just four years, including a flawless 2025 campaign capped by a victory over longtime contender Brandon Royval, which earned him this title shot. A victory would make Van the second-youngest champion in UFC history, trailing only Jon Jones.

The tactical battle hinges on Pantoja’s grappling prowess versus Van’s relentless pressure and high-volume striking. Pantoja has demonstrated a willingness to engage in stand-up wars, but his grappling has often been the decisive factor in difficult exchanges. His ability to drag opponents to the mat and apply his submission game is a significant advantage. Conversely, Van’s strength lies in his continuous forward pressure and ability to outpoint opponents in striking exchanges. He has proven difficult to hold down, suggesting Pantoja may find it challenging to implement a purely grappling-centric strategy.

The age and experience disparity also play a role. Pantoja, while a phenomenal champion, has endured a considerably longer and more grueling career than his youthful challenger. This dynamic draws comparisons to the memorable T.J. Dillashaw vs. Renan Barao bout, where Dillashaw, viewed as a future contender whose opportunity might have come too soon, decisively upset the dominant Barao. Van’s rapid development and explosive potential suggest a similar upset is within the realm of possibility if he can effectively negate Pantoja’s grappling and force a prolonged striking battle.

Flyweight Bout: Brandon Moreno (5) vs. Tatsuro Taira (9)

A crucial flyweight clash pits former champion Brandon Moreno against the undefeated Japanese prospect Tatsuro Taira. Moreno, a fan favorite known for his well-rounded skills and tenacious fighting spirit, enters this bout ranked fifth in the division. His extensive experience includes multiple championship fights and a historic rivalry with Deiveson Figueiredo.

Tatsuro Taira, ranked ninth, has garnered significant attention for his unblemished professional record and technical grappling. Despite his impressive ascent, some analysts question whether his all-around game is sufficiently developed to crack the flyweight division’s upper echelon. Moreno, at 32 years old, possesses a wealth of experience at the highest level, having navigated numerous grueling battles. His striking acumen is generally considered superior to Taira’s, and his grappling defense has been tested against some of the best in the sport.

The matchup presents a classic striker-vs.-grappler dynamic, though Moreno’s grappling is highly underrated. While Taira’s submission game is elite, holding down "The Assassin Baby" for three full rounds presents a considerable challenge. Taira’s youth and athleticism could enable him to dictate a slower, grinding pace, potentially frustrating Moreno and wearing him down. However, Moreno’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure are well-established. His history of competing against more limited fighters suggests he is unlikely to be outgunned, making a comfortable decision victory for Moreno a probable outcome as Taira continues his developmental path towards future title contention.

Bantamweight Bout: Henry Cejudo vs. Payton Talbott

This bantamweight contest encapsulates the recurring theme of UFC 323: age and unparalleled experience against burgeoning youth and athleticism. Henry Cejudo, one of the most decorated combat sports athletes in history, returns to the octagon. A 2008 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling at just 21 years old (when his opponent, Talbott, was nine), Cejudo went on to become a two-division UFC champion, famously holding both the flyweight and bantamweight titles. His resume includes a controversial victory over division legend Demetrious Johnson.

Payton Talbott represents the next wave of talent. He has demonstrated significant growth in his relatively short career. Following a humbling loss to Raoni Barcelos, Talbott showcased a more mature and convincing performance in a decision victory over Felipe Lima. Prior to that, his fights were characterized by fierce finishing instincts. Talbott’s striking-heavy style and natural athleticism could pose a significant threat to a smaller, potentially slower Cejudo.

The narrative surrounding Cejudo’s motivation is a key element of this fight. His previous return from retirement culminated in a title loss to Aljamain Sterling, and his subsequent bout against Song Yadong was not entirely encouraging before its conclusion. Cejudo has openly discussed his eventual retirement, which some interpret as a red flag regarding his current drive to compete at the absolute elite level. While "Triple C" possesses all the tools to secure a victory, including his legendary wrestling, the question remains whether he can reignite the singular focus and competitive fire that defined his championship reign. The prevailing sentiment leans towards this being a "passing of the torch" moment, with Talbott capitalizing on Cejudo’s potentially waning grip on his competitive prime.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Jan Blachowicz (T6) vs. Bogdan Guskov (11)

The light heavyweight division offers an intriguing clash between former champion Jan Blachowicz and the powerful Bogdan Guskov. Blachowicz, tied for sixth in the rankings, is a veteran known for his "Polish Power" striking, solid grappling, and exceptional resilience. His ability to withstand and engage in grueling contests was notably demonstrated in his fight against Alex Pereira.

Bogdan Guskov, ranked eleventh, is primarily recognized for his formidable striking power. He has a track record of securing early finishes, and if he can land cleanly, he possesses the capability to add Blachowicz to his list of knockout victims. However, Blachowicz’s experience against high-level strikers, including Pereira, suggests he is adept at defusing offensive threats and dragging opponents into less favorable exchanges.

Guskov’s striking-focused approach often leaves him vulnerable to takedowns. Blachowicz, a capable grappler, has historically shown a willingness to utilize his wrestling if his striking game is not yielding immediate results. This strategic flexibility allows Blachowicz to dictate the terms of the fight, either engaging in a stand-up battle or taking the fight to the mat where he can exert control or pursue submissions. While Guskov might attempt a point-fighting strategy, his propensity to go for broke often proves to be his undoing against more seasoned and well-rounded opponents. Blachowicz’s ability to transition seamlessly between striking and grappling makes him a difficult puzzle for a predominantly power-striking opponent like Guskov.

Preliminary Card Results: