UFC 323 Set for December: Dvalishvili vs. Yan II Headlines, Pantoja Defends Flyweight Title Against Van.

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is preparing to close out the year with a blockbuster event, UFC 323, scheduled for December 6 in Las Vegas. UFC CEO Dana White officially announced Monday that the highly anticipated bantamweight championship rematch between current titleholder Merab Dvalishvili and former champion Petr Yan will serve as the main event. The card will also feature a pivotal flyweight title defense as reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja puts his belt on the line against the rapidly ascending contender Joshua Van in the co-main event.

Dvalishvili Targets Historic Milestone in Yan Rematch

Merab Dvalishvili (20-4 MMA, 13-2 UFC), fresh off a dominant bantamweight title defense against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320, expressed a desire for a swift return to the Octagon. White confirmed Dvalishvili’s wish, setting the stage for a compelling rematch against Petr Yan (17-6 MMA, 9-5 UFC). Beyond defending his championship, Dvalishvili is on a quest for an unprecedented record within the promotion, aiming to become the first fighter in UFC history to successfully defend a title four times within a single calendar year.

The "Machine" from Georgia began his remarkable 2025 campaign with a decisive victory over Umar Nurmagomedov in January, followed by a masterful performance against Sean O’Malley in June. His recent triumph over Sandhagen at UFC 320 showcased his relentless pressure, elite wrestling, and seemingly bottomless gas tank, cementing his status as one of the most dominant champions in the sport. Dvalishvili’s fighting style is characterized by an unyielding pace, high-volume striking, and suffocating grappling, often breaking opponents mentally and physically over five rounds. His current professional winning streak stands at an impressive 11 consecutive victories, a testament to his consistent evolution and tactical brilliance. His journey to the title was marked by a series of high-profile wins against top contenders, culminating in his championship coronation.

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The initial encounter between Dvalishvili and Yan took place in March 2023, where Dvalishvili secured a unanimous decision victory. In that bout, Dvalishvili’s relentless forward pressure and takedown attempts ultimately overwhelmed Yan, who struggled to find his rhythm and mount consistent offense against the Georgian’s suffocating style. The rematch offers Yan a crucial opportunity for redemption and Dvalishvili a chance to definitively prove his superiority.

Petr Yan’s Path to Redemption

For Petr Yan, the path back to a title shot has been arduous yet determined. Once considered among the pound-for-pound elite, Yan’s career experienced a challenging period marked by three consecutive losses between 2022 and 2023. This difficult stretch began with his controversial disqualification loss of the bantamweight title to Aljamain Sterling, followed by a split-decision defeat to Sean O’Malley, and then the unanimous decision loss to Dvalishvili in their first meeting. These setbacks raised questions about the former champion’s trajectory and ability to reclaim his former glory.

However, "No Mercy" has orchestrated a formidable comeback, stringing together three consecutive victories to re-enter the title picture. His recent wins have showcased his signature technical striking, precise boxing combinations, and improved defensive grappling. Yan, known for his calm demeanor and calculated aggression, is a master of distance management and counter-striking. His ability to absorb punishment and make mid-fight adjustments has long been a hallmark of his career. The three-fight winning streak has seen him defeat formidable opponents, demonstrating that the technical prowess and championship grit that once defined his reign are still very much intact. This rematch against Dvalishvili is not just for the belt; it’s an opportunity for Yan to erase the memory of his past losses and solidify his place back at the top of the division. The stylistic clash between Yan’s surgical striking and Dvalishvili’s relentless grappling promises a captivating main event that could be a defining moment for both fighters.

Pantoja vs. Van: A Flyweight Title Showdown

The co-main event will feature a compelling clash for the flyweight championship as Alexandre Pantoja (29-5 MMA, 13-3 UFC) defends his title against the explosive rising contender Joshua Van (11-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC). Pantoja, the Brazilian grappling wizard, has established himself as a dominant force in the 125-pound division since capturing the title from Brandon Moreno in July 2023. He successfully defended it against Brandon Royval in December 2023, showcasing his aggressive submission game and improved striking. Pantoja is currently on an impressive eight-fight winning streak, a testament to his elite skill set and relentless pursuit of finishes. His journey through the flyweight ranks has been marked by thrilling performances and victories over many of the division’s top contenders. He possesses a dangerous blend of high-level jiu-jitsu, powerful ground-and-pound, and increasingly sharp stand-up, making him a formidable champion.

Facing Pantoja will be the highly touted Joshua Van, who has stormed his way into title contention with a remarkable ascent. Van’s professional record stands at 11 wins and only one loss, with five consecutive victories under the UFC banner. His rapid rise is particularly notable given his activity, including two impressive wins in June alone, which underscored his readiness for a championship opportunity. Van’s fighting style is characterized by aggressive striking, fast hands, and a high finishing rate, making him one of the most exciting prospects in the sport. His youth and fearless approach have quickly endeared him to fans, and his ability to finish fights in spectacular fashion has made him a legitimate threat to Pantoja’s reign. This matchup represents a classic encounter between an established, dominant champion and a hungry, rapidly ascending challenger, promising an electrifying contest for the flyweight gold.

Undercard Features High-Stakes Bouts

Beyond the two championship contests, UFC 323 will also feature several other high-profile matchups with significant implications for their respective divisions.

Former two-division champion Henry Cejudo (16-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) is slated to return to the bantamweight division to face the surging prospect Payton Talbott (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC). Cejudo, known as "Triple C" for holding both the UFC flyweight and bantamweight titles simultaneously, came out of a brief retirement in 2023 to challenge Aljamain Sterling for the bantamweight belt but fell short in a competitive decision. His last fight was a decision loss to Merab Dvalishvili in February 2024, prompting renewed questions about his future. A victory against a rising contender like Talbott is crucial for Cejudo to maintain his relevance in the stacked 135-pound division and potentially make another run at the title.

Payton Talbott, meanwhile, enters this contest undefeated in his professional career. He earned his spot in the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series and has quickly made an impact with his aggressive striking and exciting finishes. This fight against a legendary figure like Cejudo represents a significant step up in competition for Talbott and a monumental opportunity to prove he belongs among the division’s elite. A win over Cejudo would instantly catapult Talbott into the bantamweight rankings and mark him as one of the division’s most promising talents. The clash of experience versus youthful exuberance and raw power promises a captivating encounter.

In the light heavyweight division, former champion Jan Blachowicz (29-10-1 MMA, 12-7-1 UFC) will look to snap a three-fight winless skid when he faces Bogdan Guskov (17-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC). Blachowicz, celebrated for his "Polish Power" and devastating knockout ability, captured the light heavyweight title in 2020 but lost it to Glover Teixeira in 2021. Since then, he has struggled to regain his championship form, suffering losses to Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira, as well as a draw against Ankalaev. This fight is paramount for the veteran Polish fighter to re-establish himself as a top contender and avoid slipping further down the rankings.

His opponent, Bogdan Guskov, is riding a wave of momentum with four consecutive victories, demonstrating his power and finishing instincts. Guskov’s aggressive style and recent string of impressive performances have positioned him as a dangerous threat in the 205-pound division. A win over a former champion like Blachowicz would be the biggest of Guskov’s career and would undoubtedly propel him into the upper echelon of the light heavyweight rankings. The fight between Blachowicz and Guskov is expected to be a high-impact affair, with both fighters known for their knockout capabilities, making it a strong contender for a performance bonus.

UFC 323 is poised to be one of the year’s most anticipated events, delivering a championship double-header and compelling matchups across multiple divisions, ensuring a thrilling conclusion to the UFC’s 2025 calendar.