UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs. Yan 2 – Full Preview, Fight Card & Title Fight Breakdown

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1. Event Overview – UFC 323 at a Glance

On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the UFC closes out its pay-per-view calendar with UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event is part of a packed winter schedule that fans can follow via the official UFC events page, the ESPN MMA fightcenter and Tapology’s fight database.

Headlining the show is a high-stakes bantamweight title rematch between champion Merab Dvalishvili and former champion Petr Yan. Their first meeting was a one-sided wrestling clinic from Merab, but Yan’s technical brilliance and history as a champion make the rematch far more than a simple rerun. In the co-main event, flyweight king Alexandre Pantoja defends his belt against surging contender Joshua Van, in a matchup that pits hardened championship experience against youthful momentum.

Beyond the two title fights, the card includes crucial bouts in the welterweight and light heavyweight divisions, plus a strong slate of prelims featuring prospects and battle-tested veterans. For the UFC, UFC 323 is not only a chance to end the year with a bang, but also to set the stage for championship pictures heading into 2026.

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2. Main Event: Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan 2 (Bantamweight Title)

Few matchups capture the essence of modern bantamweight MMA quite like Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan. Their first meeting was a showcase of cardio, pressure and grit from Dvalishvili, who smothered Yan with a record-breaking pace of takedown attempts and forward movement. For the rematch at UFC 323, the stakes are even higher: the belt is on the line, and so is each man’s legacy at 135 lbs.

2.1 Stylistic Clash – Pressure Wrestler vs Technical Boxer

Dvalishvili epitomises relentless pressure. He chains takedown after takedown, never allowing opponents to rest, and happily wins rounds on volume and control rather than chasing a finish. Analysts on platforms like MMA Fighting and MMA Mania often compare his style to a hybrid of prime Clay Guida’s pace with the positional wrestling of Aljamain Sterling.

Yan, by contrast, is a measured, high-IQ striker. He builds reads over the first two rounds, then gradually increases pressure, cutting the cage and punishing mistakes with sharp boxing combinations, elbows and knees. His best performances – against fighters like José Aldo and Cory Sandhagen – showed a patient but ruthless approach that many considered championship-level even in defeat.

Attribute	Merab Dvalishvili	Petr Yan
Main Strength	Relentless chain wrestling, pace & cardio	Technical boxing, counters & shot selection
Preferred Range	Clinch, fence, top control	Mid-range pocket striking
Best Path to Victory	Volume takedowns, control time, breaking Yan’s rhythm	Stuffing takedowns, punishing entries, boxing clinic
Biggest Risk	Eating sharp counters if entries become predictable	Getting stuck on the fence, losing rounds on optics

2.2 Tactical Adjustments Since the First Fight

In their first meeting, Yan spent too much time with his back to the fence, reacting to takedown attempts instead of proactively circling and punishing entries. For the rematch, his team is likely to emphasise:

• Earlier stance switches to change the look of his hips and level.
• Harder punishment of failed shots – knees and uppercuts as Merab changes level.
• More lateral movement instead of straight-line retreats toward the fence.

For Dvalishvili, the blueprint is simpler but still demanding: recreate the pace of the first fight, tighten up striking entries to avoid counters, and accept that winning rounds clearly might matter more than hunting a finish. If he can mix takedowns with clinch knees and occasional kicks, he can again make the Octagon feel very small for Yan.

2.3 Legacy Stakes at Bantamweight

Bantamweight has evolved into one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions, with champions like Dominick Cruz, TJ Dillashaw and Aljamain Sterling setting a high bar. A dominant win at UFC 323 could move either man closer to that historical conversation.

• If Dvalishvili wins: He strengthens his claim as an era-defining champion whose style forced an entire division to adapt.
• If Yan wins: He completes a rare comeback from a multi-fight skid to regain UFC gold, rewriting his narrative from “fallen champion” to resilient great.

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3. Co-Main Event: Alexandre Pantoja vs Joshua Van (Flyweight Title)

The co-main event at UFC 323 showcases one of the UFC’s most exciting divisions. Reigning flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defends his belt against fast-rising challenger Joshua Van. It is a classic matchup of hardened experience versus explosive new blood, and it could determine the direction of the 125-pound class for years.

3.1 Alexandre Pantoja – The Chaos Specialist

Pantoja has quietly put together one of the most impressive résumés in flyweight history. He has beaten top names, survived brutal three- and five-round wars, and shown the ability to finish fights both standing and on the ground. His title win over Brandon Moreno, for example, was a high-pace thriller that underlined his toughness and opportunism.

Technically, Pantoja blends compact boxing with aggressive grappling. He is especially dangerous in scrambles and back-take situations: a single mistake in a scramble can lead to a rear-naked choke or control that steals the round. Given his experience in five-round fights, he is comfortable navigating momentum swings that might rattle less-seasoned opponents.

3.2 Joshua Van – The Surging Contender

Joshua Van represents the new generation of flyweights: fast, fearless and constantly hunting action. He surged through regional promotions and early UFC appearances by blending high-volume striking with relentless forward movement. On platforms like Tapology and in prospect breakdown videos on YouTube, Van is often praised for his willingness to trade in the pocket and his ability to recover quickly from bad positions.

The big unknown is how he will handle the step up to a five-round title fight against a veteran like Pantoja. Championship bouts are not just about skill – they test cardio, composure, corner communication and in-fight adaptability. Van’s best path likely involves fast starts, body work and forcing Pantoja to defend strikes instead of initiating scrambles.

Regardless of the outcome, this matchup continues the tradition of exciting flyweight title fights that began in the Demetrious Johnson era and carried on through names like Henry Cejudo, Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno. If Pantoja defends, he moves closer to joining those names in the historical conversation. If Van wins, the division gets a new youthful champion with plenty of potential for fresh pairings.

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4. Full Fight Card & Bout Order

The official bout order for UFC 323 can shift as the event approaches – injuries, weight issues and visa problems are always possible. However, based on current listings on ESPN’s fightcenter and Tapology, a typical layout looks like this:

Segment	Bout	Division
Main Event	Merab Dvalishvili (c) vs Petr Yan	Bantamweight Title (135 lbs)
Co-Main Event	Alexandre Pantoja (c) vs Joshua Van	Flyweight Title (125 lbs)
Main Card	Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Vicente Luque	Welterweight (170 lbs)
Main Card	Jan Błachowicz vs Azamat Murzakanov	Light Heavyweight (205 lbs)
Main Card	Jack Shore vs Montel Jackson	Bantamweight (135 lbs)
Prelims	Andre Fili vs Julian Erosa	Featherweight (145 lbs)
Prelims	Chase Hooper vs Ricky Turcios	Featherweight (145 lbs)
Prelims	Women’s Strawweight Bout (TBA)	Strawweight (115 lbs)
Early Prelims	Brady Hiestand vs TBA	Bantamweight (135 lbs)

Some names and matchups may still change by fight week, especially on the early prelims. Fans who want the most up-to-date version of the card should check the official event listing on UFC.com/events or the UFC section on ESPN MMA.

On paper, UFC 323 has an appealing balance: proven champions, former titleholders trying to stay relevant, undefeated or surging contenders, and all-action veterans who reliably deliver entertainment. It is the sort of lineup that tends to overperform, because even if one main fight disappoints, another usually overdelivers.

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5. Key Bouts & Undercard Highlights

While title fights draw the headlines, many cards are defined by what happens lower down. At UFC 323, at least three non-title matchups stand out as must-watch bouts with real stakes.

5.1 Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Vicente Luque – Welterweight Statement Fight

Shavkat Rakhmonov is widely seen as one of the most dangerous welterweights in the world – an all-round finisher who mixes crushing clinch work, powerful wrestling and sharp striking. His official profile on UFC.com and his fight history on Tapology show a near-perfect record with a sky-high finish rate.

Facing him is Vicente Luque, one of the most consistently entertaining fighters of the last decade. Luque combines heavy hands, brutal knees and elbows, and a nasty D’Arce choke game on the mat. He has shared the cage with elite names and rarely backs down from a brawl, which makes him an ideal litmus test for any rising contender.

5.2 Jan Błachowicz vs Azamat Murzakanov – Light Heavyweight Crossroads

Former champion Jan Błachowicz has already written his name into UFC history by capturing the 205-pound belt and defending it against top contenders. Now in the later stages of his career, he faces Azamat Murzakanov, an explosive finisher representing the new wave at light heavyweight.

For Błachowicz, a win extends his relevance in a division that has seen rapid turnover at the top since Jon Jones’ departure. For Murzakanov, a victory over a former champion would be the marquee win his résumé needs to justify talk of top-5 opponents.

5.3 Jack Shore vs Montel Jackson – Bantamweight Prospect Clash

The bantamweight division is so deep that even unranked matchups can feel like ranked-level contests. Jack Shore, a technical and well-rounded fighter from Wales, meets Montel Jackson, a long, powerful puncher with a difficult physical profile for the weight class.

For hardcore fans, this is a fascinating style clash: Shore aims to blend clean boxing with smart grappling and clinch control, while Jackson thrives when he can keep fights at long range and let his power speak for itself. The winner likely earns a step up to opponents hovering around the top 15.

Taken together, these fights ensure that UFC 323 has a strong backbone underneath the title bouts. Even if you only tune in for the main card, it’s worth catching the prelims – they often produce the knockouts and submissions that dominate highlight reels on UFC’s YouTube channel the next day.

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6. Major Storylines & What’s at Stake

A good fight card is more than just names and rankings – it’s the storylines that give each matchup emotional weight. At UFC 323, several narratives overlap: redemption arcs, potential new eras in multiple divisions, and veterans fighting to stay relevant.

6.1 Merab’s Reign vs Yan’s Redemption

For Merab Dvalishvili, this fight is about proving that his dominant win over Yan the first time was no stylistic fluke. If he wins again – especially in clearer fashion – critics will have to accept that his pressure-heavy style is not just a “bad matchup,” but championship-level excellence.

For Petr Yan, the stakes are even more dramatic. Once considered a future pound-for-pound staple, he saw his momentum halted by disqualification and razor-close defeats. A win at UFC 323 would not simply regain gold; it would transform his story from tragic downturn to one of the great comebacks in modern MMA.

6.2 Flyweight at a Turning Point

Flyweight has long battled for respect in the eyes of casual fans, despite consistently producing high-skill, high-drama fights. A war between Pantoja and Van could further cement 125 lbs as a must-watch division.

• If Pantoja wins: He moves toward Demetrious Johnson–style territory as a multi-defense champion.
• If Van wins: The division gets a young, marketable champion with fresh matchup possibilities against names like Brandon Royval or Amir Albazi.

6.3 Welterweight & Light Heavyweight Reshuffles

Rakhmonov vs Luque and Błachowicz vs Murzakanov are not merely exciting stylistic bouts; they are pivot points for two historically stacked divisions. A decisive win for Rakhmonov could set up a shot at whoever holds the strap in 2026, while a big performance from Murzakanov would place him in the mix for fights with elite names like Jiri Procházka or Alex Pereira.

6.4 Prospects Auditioning for 2026

UFC 323 also functions as an audition stage for prospects hoping to be on the main card of big events in 2026. Strong showings from fighters like Jack Shore, Montel Jackson, Chase Hooper, Ricky Turcios or Brady Hiestand could translate into bigger opportunities, more favourable placements on fight posters and increased promotional push.

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7. How to Watch – Start Times & Streaming Info

With UFC 323 serving as the final PPV of the year, fans around the world will be planning fight parties, all-nighters or Sunday replays. Because the event is in Las Vegas, start times favour North American viewers while asking European fans to stay up late.

7.1 Official Broadcasters & Platforms

7.2 Start Times by Region

Segment	United States (ET)	United Kingdom (GMT)	Central Europe (CET)	Australia (AEDT)
Early Prelims	6:00 p.m.	11:00 p.m.	00:00 (midnight, Sun)	10:00 a.m. (Sun)
Prelims	8:00 p.m.	1:00 a.m.	2:00 a.m.	12:00 p.m. (Sun)
Main Card	10:00 p.m.	3:00 a.m.	4:00 a.m.	2:00 p.m. (Sun)

Exact timings can shift slightly depending on broadcast decisions and the length of earlier fights, so it’s smart to tune in a little early – especially if you only plan to watch the main card.

7.3 Streaming Tips & Replay Options

• US viewers: Make sure your ESPN+ account is active and your payment method updated before fight night.
• International fans: Check local listings and your broadcaster’s app (TNT Sports, Kayo, Star+ etc.) for PPV purchase instructions.
• Replays: UFC Fight Pass and many regional broadcasters upload full-event replays within hours – ideal for those in “unfriendly” time zones.

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8. Fight Predictions & Possible Scenarios

Predictions are always speculative – especially in a sport where a single punch, head kick or scramble can flip everything. Still, looking at styles, recent form and typical judging trends gives us a reasonable picture of what might happen at UFC 323.

8.1 Main Event – Dvalishvili vs Yan 2

The first fight offered a clear template: Dvalishvili pushed a pace Yan struggled to match, especially once damage piled up and takedown attempts became constant. For Yan to change the outcome, he must either dramatically improve his takedown defense and footwork or land fight-altering counters early.

• Most likely outcome: Dvalishvili by decision – his cardio and wrestling are proven over 25 minutes.
• High-upside upset: Yan by late TKO – if Merab slows, Yan’s pressure boxing could flip the script in rounds four and five.
• Wild card: A clash of heads, cut or point deduction altering the scorecards – something both men have unfortunately dealt with before.

8.2 Co-Main – Pantoja vs Van

Pantoja’s skill set is designed to punish over-eager challengers. Van’s best chance lies in disciplined chaos: keeping the fight standing, landing in combination and refusing to give the champion extended grappling sequences.

• Most likely outcome: Pantoja by submission – especially off scrambles or after rocking Van and jumping on the neck or back.
• Alternative path: Pantoja by decision – if Van survives bad positions but loses minutes on the ground.
• Upset scenario: Van by TKO, swarming Pantoja with volume in prolonged striking exchanges.

8.3 Key Non-Title Fights

• Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Vicente Luque:
  Lean Rakhmonov – he has more ways to win (clinch, wrestling, submissions) and carries comparable power.
  Pick: Rakhmonov by submission or late TKO.
• Jan Błachowicz vs Azamat Murzakanov:
  True coin flip. If Murzakanov can manage his gas tank and avoid leg kicks, his explosiveness is a problem.
  Slight lean: Murzakanov by decision or KO.
• Jack Shore vs Montel Jackson:
  Shore has the better all-round game, but Jackson’s length and power make him dangerous.
  Lean Shore by decision, with Jackson as live underdog by KO.

None of these are certainties – they’re just informed guesses. One of the pleasures of MMA is watching predictions get torn apart by an underdog performance or a moment of brilliance nobody saw coming.

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9. Betting Odds, Trends & Value Picks

By the time UFC 323 fight week arrives, major sportsbooks will have moneylines, totals and prop bets live for every bout. To track odds movement across bookmakers, many bettors use comparison sites like BestFightOdds or news-driven portals such as FightOdds.io.

9.1 Projected Market View

Exact lines will vary, but based on current form and public perception, the market is likely to treat:

• Merab Dvalishvili as a slight-to-moderate favourite over Yan.
• Alexandre Pantoja as a clear favourite over Van, with the challenger a dangerous but unproven underdog.
• Shavkat Rakhmonov as a strong favourite over Vicente Luque.
• Błachowicz vs Murzakanov as near pick’em territory, depending on how bettors view age vs momentum.

Fight	Likely Public Side	Potential Value Angle
Dvalishvili vs Yan	Dvalishvili moneyline	Yan by KO/TKO if underdog price drifts too high
Pantoja vs Van	Pantoja moneyline & submission props	Fight doesn’t go the distance; small sprinkle on Van TKO if odds are huge
Rakhmonov vs Luque	Rakhmonov moneyline	Under 2.5 rounds / fight inside the distance
Błachowicz vs Murzakanov	Split exposure, heavy debate	Over 1.5 rounds; either veteran savvy or patient pressure decides it late

9.2 Responsible Betting Tips

• Use comparison tools like BestFightOdds to secure the best price, not just the first one you see.
• Prioritise straight bets and simple props over long-shot parlays – variance in MMA is extremely high.
• Never chase losses. Set a budget before fight night and stick to it, win or lose.
• If betting stops being fun or starts to feel compulsive, take a break and seek help.

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10. Venue Guide – T-Mobile Arena & Fan Experience

The T-Mobile Arena has become one of the UFC’s go-to venues for marquee events, including international fight cards and major title bouts. Located just off the Las Vegas Strip, it offers easy access to hotels, restaurants, and nightlife – turning a single fight card into a full weekend experience.

10.1 Best Seats for Watching UFC

For MMA, sightlines matter more than almost any other factor. Floor seats provide an unmatched feel for the action and walkouts, but sometimes the cage posts and photographers can obstruct certain angles. Many long-time fans actually prefer lower- or mid-bowl seats slightly elevated above the cage for a clearer overall view.

Area	Pros	Cons
Floor	Closest to the fighters, best for atmosphere and walkouts.	High price; occasional obstructions; you may look through the cage rather than over it.
Lower Bowl	Great balance of view and crowd energy; strong photo/video angles.	Still relatively expensive; lower rows can have partial obstructions.
Mid Bowl	Often the best overall vantage point; see grappling and striking clearly.	Further from the fighters; more reliant on big screens for facial expressions.
Upper Bowl	Most affordable; still solid for atmosphere.	Details of grappling exchanges can be hard to see without screens.

10.2 Where to Stay & What to Do Around Fight Week

Because T-Mobile Arena sits right off the Strip, several major hotels are within walking distance:

• Park MGM: Modern, largely smoke-free, and one of the closest hotels to the arena.
• New York-New York: Directly adjacent, with a lively casino and plenty of casual dining options.
• MGM Grand: Classic Vegas experience, monorail access and a short walk to the venue.
• ARIA Resort & Casino: More upscale, about a 10–12 minute walk away.

Fans hunting for travel packages and ticket bundles can check UFC VIP Experience, as well as general booking platforms like Vegas.com or Booking.com.

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11. Broadcast Team, Commentary & Analyst Breakdown

The fights may be the main show, but the broadcast team shapes how millions of viewers experience them. UFC pay-per-view events typically feature a three-person commentary booth, plus backstage reporters and studio analysts. Exact lineups are confirmed in the days leading up to the event and highlighted on UFC.com and the ESPN Pressroom.

11.1 Typical PPV Broadcast Roles

• Play-by-Play Commentator: Describes the action, controls pacing and keeps casual viewers oriented.
• Color Analyst: Often a former fighter or coach, explaining tactics, setups and momentum shifts.
• Rules/Scoring Analyst: Offers insight into judging criteria, fouls and close rounds.
• Cage-Side Reporter: Handles pre-fight and post-fight interviews and provides injury or corner updates.
• Studio Desk Team: Breaks down upcoming fights between segments and provides post-card analysis.

Fans who enjoy the technical side of MMA often appreciate when commentators explain concepts like “effective striking vs control,” or why a certain takedown might count less than visible damage in the eyes of judges – all governed by the unified rules and outlined on commissions’ websites.

After the event, deeper technical breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content usually appear on UFC’s YouTube channel, and on independent analysis channels such as Anatomy of a Fighter or The Weasle. These add extra layers of context for fans who want to rewatch key sequences with a more analytical eye.

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12. Historical Context – Rematches, Records & Legacy

UFC 323 is part of a long lineage of year-end cards that shape how fans remember an entire season. Historically, December pay-per-views have featured some of the promotion’s most iconic fights and turning points. The scheduled events list on Wikipedia’s UFC events page places UFC 323 alongside previous classics that closed out their respective years.

The Dvalishvili–Yan rivalry itself fits neatly into the tradition of high-level UFC rematches. Like Frankie Edgar vs Gray Maynard or Max Holloway vs Alexander Volkanovski, it’s a clash where tactical adjustments, judging criteria and mental resilience all play huge roles. A second decisive win for Merab would mark the rivalry as one-sided; a big response from Yan could set up a rubber match in the future.

At flyweight, Pantoja’s attempted title defence continues the line of champions who helped save the division from being scrapped years ago. Demetrious Johnson, Henry Cejudo, Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno all contributed landmark fights that showed how compelling 125-pound MMA can be. If Pantoja strings together multiple defences, his name will start appearing more frequently in conversations about elite all-time flyweights.

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13. Post-Event Impact – Rankings & Next Moves

Because UFC 323 takes place late in the year, its results will heavily influence how matchmakers, fans and media talk about 2026. New champions, surprising upsets or breakout performances can all change the way divisions are booked for the next 12–18 months.

13.1 Bantamweight After UFC 323

• If Dvalishvili retains: Expect calls for challengers like Umar Nurmagomedov, Cory Sandhagen or Sean O’Malley to step up in early 2026.
• If Yan regains the belt: Trilogy fights and fresh super-fight style matchups suddenly become available, possibly including rematches with Sterling or O’Malley.

13.2 Flyweight Scenarios

• Pantoja victory: sets up fights against contenders such as Brandon Royval, Amir Albazi or Muhammad Mokaev.
• Van upset: likely triggers an immediate rematch discussion, but also brings new energy to the division with a young champion at the top.

13.3 Welterweight & Light Heavyweight

A big win for Rakhmonov could fast-track him into a title eliminator or even a direct title shot, depending on the status of the champion and other contenders. At light heavyweight, Błachowicz or Murzakanov could emerge as a logical opponent for whoever holds or chases the belt in early 2026.

Updated rankings will be published, as always, on the official UFC rankings page, with additional analysis on outlets like MMA Junkie and MMA Fighting.

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14. Conclusion – Final Thoughts & Event Summary

UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 has all the ingredients of a memorable year-end card: two compelling title fights, pivotal contender matchups at welterweight and light heavyweight, and an undercard stacked with prospects and proven action fighters.

For Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan, it’s a chapter-defining battle that could either underline a changing of the guard or mark one of the sport’s great redemption stories. For Alexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van, it’s a test of whether flyweight will be ruled by experienced grit or youthful momentum. And for names like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Jan Błachowicz, Azamat Murzakanov and Jack Shore, UFC 323 is a launchpad – or a checkpoint – on the road to future title shots.

Whether you’re tuning in for the technical wizardry of the lighter weight classes, the chaos of all-action undercard brawls or the spectacle of a packed T-Mobile Arena, UFC 323 looks set to deliver an evening of high-stakes MMA that will shape the conversation well into 2026.

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15. FAQ – UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2

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