Yan Defeats Dvalishvili to Claim Bantamweight Title at UFC 323

Bassyonni

ago 12 hours

Yan Defeats Dvalishvili to Claim Bantamweight Title at UFC 323

Petr Yan delivered a remarkable performance at UFC 323, defeating Merab Dvalishvili to secure the bantamweight title. The event took place on Saturday, December 7, 2025, in Las Vegas, marking a significant moment in Yan’s career.

Yan Defeats Dvalishvili and Ends Streak

Yan’s victory was achieved through a unanimous decision, effectively ending Dvalishvili’s impressive 14-fight winning streak. Yan, now with a professional record of 20 wins and 5 losses, dominated the fight with powerful strikes and punishing kicks. Dvalishvili, whose record now stands at 21 wins and 5 losses, had not been defeated since April 21, 2018, when Ricky Simon won by submission.

A Compelling Rematch

This match served as a rematch, with Dvalishvili previously defeating Yan by unanimous decision on March 11, 2023. In a post-fight interview, Yan expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m very happy to stand here with the championship belt; thank you to all the fans. I worked so hard, I prepared so hard for this moment.”

Dvalishvili’s Status as Favorite

Leading up to the fight, Dvalishvili was considered a heavy favorite, listed at -425 with BetMGM. This meant that bettors had to wager $425 to win $100. In contrast, those who placed a $100 bet on Yan would have received $320 in profit. After the fight, Dvalishvili acknowledged Yan’s achievement, stating, “I lost today. Congratulations to him.”

Co-Main Event Highlights

In the co-main event, Joshua Van faced Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title. Van claimed victory just 26 seconds into the first round via TKO. The fight ended abruptly due to an unfortunate injury sustained by Pantoja, who dislocated his shoulder while attempting a roundhouse kick.

Pantoja’s record: 30 wins, 6 losses
Van’s record: 16 wins, 2 losses
Pantoja’s injury occurred as he fell after the kick

In a show of respect, Van immediately checked on Pantoja after the bout was halted. This event showcased not only the competitive nature of UFC but also the sportsmanship among fighters.