UFC 323 2025: Merab Dvalishvili Dominates as Fighter of the Year

At UFC 323, Merab Dvalishvili aims to secure his title defense against Petr Yan, potentially making him the Fighter of the Year for 2025. This fight marks the bantamweight champion’s fourth title defense this year, further emphasizing his status as a dominant force in the sport.

Merab Dvalishvili’s Impressive Title Defenses

Dvalishvili has showcased remarkable performances throughout 2025, successfully defending his title against notable competitors, including:

• Umar Nurmagomedov
• Sean O’Malley
• Cory Sandhagen

In his upcoming fight in Las Vegas, he has the opportunity to become the first UFC fighter to defend a championship four times within a single year. His wrestling prowess and cardio strength make him an overwhelming challenge for his opponents.

Petr Yan’s Recent Performance

Petr Yan enters this bout on a three-fight winning streak, showcasing a resurgence in his boxing skills. If he can neutralize Dvalishvili’s ground game, he could leverage his striking advantages. However, the Georgian has already proven difficult to manage, having attempted an unprecedented number of takedowns in their previous encounter.

Co-Main Event: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Joshua Van

In the co-main event, Alexandre Pantoja will defend his flyweight title against Joshua Van. This fight marks Pantoja’s fifth title defense and his second defense this year after a submission victory over Kai-Kara France.

Van’s ascent in the UFC has been notable, especially after his impressive win over Brandon Royval at UFC 317. Should he secure victory against Pantoja, he will become the second-youngest champion in UFC history.

Fight Dynamics and Expectations

Pantoja’s well-rounded skill set may prove difficult for Van, who aims to keep the fight standing to utilize his speed and power. This matchup will certainly attract significant attention from fans and analysts alike.

Main Card Highlights

UFC 323 features additional exciting matchups, including Brandon Moreno facing Tatsuro Taira. A victory for Moreno may position him for another title shot, especially following his previous defeats to Pantoja.

• Moreno’s recent wins over Steve Erceg and Amir Albazi bolster his contender status.
• Taira, with a win, could elevate his career with a potential title shot.

Henry Cejudo’s Retirement

Also on the main card, Henry Cejudo will announce his retirement following his fight against Payton Talbett. As a two-weight world champion, Cejudo has significantly impacted the sport, particularly in promoting the lighter weight classes.

As UFC 323 approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the potential outcomes and the showcase of elite talent set to take place.