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When the dust settled at UFC 323, held December 6, 2025 at the T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, there was one big headline everyone talked about: Petr Yan is the bantamweight champ again. He handed Merab Dvalishvili a lopsided decision loss in the main event, ending Dvalishvili’s dominant reign. The win didn’t just earn Yan the belt — it shifted the entire balance of power at 135 pounds.
Below, we dig into the fight, other standout moments from UFC 323, and what this might mean for the division going forward.
The Build-Up: Stakes Were Sky High
UFC 323 wasn’t just any card. It was the final numbered pay‑per‑view under the promotion’s current broadcast deal with ESPN. With that backdrop, the main event carried enormous pressure. Yan and Dvalishvili had met before — in March 2023 — when Dvalishvili beat Yan handily by unanimous decision. Wikipedia+2MMA Weekly+2
Since then, Dvalishvili had rolled. He claimed the bantamweight title in September 2024 and defended it three times in 2025 — making this bout his fourth defence of the year. If he’d won, he would’ve cemented himself as one of the greats in division history. Reuters+1
On paper, though, Yan looked dangerous. A former champ known for precision striking and solid wrestling defense, he had rebuilt his résumé with key wins against tough opponents. ESPN+1
The co-main event featured a flyweight title fight between reigning champ Alexandre Pantoja and up‑and‑coming contender Joshua Van. That made the entire card feel stacked. Khel Now+1
UFC 323: Key Fights and Highlights
🥊 Main Event — Yan vs. Dvalishvili 2
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Result: Petr Yan defeated Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision (49‑46, 49‑46, 48‑47). UFC+2Reuters+2
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What happened: Yan’s striking was on point. He landed clean shots, delivered heavy body strikes, and defended takedowns well. Over five rounds he secured multiple takedowns and consistently out‑landed Dvalishvili. Two judges gave Yan a dominant 49‑46; the third saw it 48‑47. ESPN.com+2UFC+2
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Significance: That win ended Dvalishvili’s bid to be the first UFC champion to defend a title four times in a single calendar year. More broadly, it ended his 14‑fight win streak and reminded everyone that Yan remains one of the division’s deadliest finishers. Reuters+2TalkSport+2
Other Main Card Results
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In a bizarre turn, Joshua Van became the new flyweight champion — his opponent Pantoja suffered a serious arm injury just 26 seconds in, ending the fight with a TKO due to injury. Reuters+1
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Former champion Henry Cejudo exited the cage for the final time after losing a competitive fight to Payton Talbott. mmamania.com+1
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Other notable bouts: Tatsuro Taira beat Brandon Moreno by TKO in the second round. A light‑heavyweight clash between Jan Blachowicz and Bogdan Guskov ended in a majority draw. Yahoo Sports+2FOX SPORTS+2
The prelims didn’t disappoint either — multiple first-round finishes, a handful of strong knockouts and submissions, and breakout performances pointed to rising talent across divisions. UFC+2Tapology+2
What The Victory Means — For Yan, For Dvalishvili, For the Bantamweight Division
For Petr Yan
Yan’s win is a redemption arc for the ages. Not only did he reclaim his old 135-pound crown, but he did so decisively. His striking, control, and strategy showed a refined fighter — probably even sharper than when he first held the belt.
Given how dominant Dvalishvili had been, this result reestablishes Yan as a top-tier threat. Anyone fighting for the belt next will have to expect a high‑caliber boxer willing to mix it up and wrestle smart too.
For Merab Dvalishvili
Losing after such a long win streak is obviously a blow. Dvalishvili came into the fight on fire. His wrestling-heavy game and relentless pace had earned him titles and praise, but this time his plan didn’t click.
Still, his legacy isn’t permanently damaged. Going to five rounds with a former champ — and getting through most rounds without being finished — keeps him among the elite. He’s probably still a future title contender.
For the Bantamweight Picture
With Yan back on top, the bantamweight rankings just erupted. Fights that seemed settled may now be re-opened. Expect challengers — both new and familiar — circling the belt.
Titles change hands, momentum shifts, and that’s exactly what keeps UFC bantamweight compelling.
Beyond the Main Event: Why UFC 323 Matters
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UFC 323 was the final numbered PPV under the UFC’s old broadcast deal with ESPN. Starting in 2026, the promotion shifts to streaming on Paramount+ — a big structural change. Wikipedia+2UFC+2
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The card showed the depth and range of MMA today: from veterans fighting for one more shot, to fresh talent bursting onto the scene. That mix makes events unpredictable and exciting.
The injury-induced finish in the co-main — with Joshua Van crowned champion mere seconds into his fight — is a stark reminder of how brutal and unpredictable MMA can be.
Looking Ahead
What comes next? A few questions already floating around:
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Who will challenge Yan first? The bantamweight division is deep, and now that the title is “back,” contenders will be hungry.
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Will Dvalishvili bounce back? Probably. If he makes some adjustments — maybe retooling game plan and strike defense — he could be a dangerous contender again.
How will the media deal change affect UFC events and fight cards under the new Paramount+ relationship? Different broadcast home, but the same unpredictability and knockout potential.
Final Thoughts
Bottom line: if you call yourself an MMA fan, you couldn’t ask for a better way to end the year. UFC 323 delivered drama, big moments and a title fight that shifted the balance of power at bantamweight.
Petr Yan proved doubters wrong. He came in focused, fought smart, and left as champion. Merab Dvalishvili’s run was impressive — but sometimes even the most dominant streaks fall short when someone’s willing to bring their best.
If you’re looking forward to more nights like this — expect them. Because with titles on the line and hungry challengers rising, UFC remains as thrilling as ever.
References
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“Yan ends Dvalishvili’s reign, reclaims title in UFC 323 thriller,” ESPN. ESPN.com+1
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Main card results for UFC 323, UFC.com. UFC+2UFC+2
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UFC 323 fight card, odds and broadcast info, CBS Sports / KhelNow / Yahoo Sports. Khel Now+2CBS Sports+2
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Official fight results including scorecards, UFC. UFC+1
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“UFC 323: Yan and Van win the final championship fights of 2025,” ESPN Staff. ESPN.com+1
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