Merab Dvalishvili vs. Petr Yan II set to headline UFC 323 on December 6

Merab Dvalishvili’s reign as UFC bantamweight champion has been nothing in need of relentless in 2025, and on December sixth he’ll look to further cement his place atop the division when he faces former champion Petr Yan at UFC 323. Confirmed by UFC President Dana White, the bout headlines what guarantees to be a stacked year-end card, drawing intense interest from fans and analysts alike.

This may mark Dvalishvili’s fourth title defense in 2025, underscoring the champion’s extraordinary activity level in one in all the UFC’s deepest weight classes. His previous defenses showcased each the grinding pace and suffocating control which have turn into his trademarks. From dismantling Cory Sandhagen in February, to outlasting Sean O’Malley in a tactical decision in May, to overwhelming Marlon Vera with volume in August, Dvalishvili has displayed a champion’s adaptability while refusing to take long breaks between challenges.

The UFC has a real star in Merab Dvalishvili.

Relentless, humble, and unbeatable at bantamweight.

He’s special—and he showed it again against Cory Sandhagen. #UFC320 pic.twitter.com/OKVXgkgJN2

— Zach “🅂🄲🄷🅄🅉” Schumaker (@ZachSchumaker) October 5, 2025

The Georgian standout continues to lean on his relentless takedown pressure, cardio that seems boundless, and understated yet sharp striking volume. Against each opponent in 2025, he dictated the tempo from the opening round and left no room for momentum shifts. Now, against Yan, that pace will clash with some of the technically refined strikers in bantamweight history.

Petr Yan’s Road Back to a Title Shot

For Petr Yan, UFC 323 represents a pivotal opportunity to regain the belt he first captured in 2020. Since losing his title to Aljamain Sterling in March 2021 attributable to a disqualification, Yan’s profession has been marked by razor-close fights and controversial scorecards. The Russian striker’s methodical boxing style, crisp mixtures, and talent to read opponents in real time have all the time kept him near the elite — but recent years have tested his resilience.

In 2025, Yan fought his way back into the title conversation with decisive wins over top contenders Deiveson Figueiredo, Marcus McGhee, and Song Yadong. Each performances reminded fans of his patient yet punishing approach, mixing precise jab work with punishing body shots and well-timed clinch strikes. Against Font in February, Yan’s tactical control earned him every round, while his summer victory over Yadong showcased defensive adjustments and counterpunching mastery.

Petr Yan is back within the win column after beating Song Yadong at #UFC299 pic.twitter.com/nYiMFOzHTM

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) March 10, 2024

Despite previous losses to Dvalishvili and Sterling in years past, Yan has consistently maintained confidence in his game. His March 2023 loss to Dvalishvili was a wrestling clinic where he struggled to disrupt the champion’s pace, but Yan insists he has made the crucial strategic changes since then. Now, with months to arrange, Yan enters UFC 323 not as an underdog without hope, but as a proven finisher aiming to flip the narrative.

Stylistically, Yan’s sharp footwork and feints can be key in limiting Dvalishvili’s entries. His takedown defense has improved since their last meeting, and he’s shown a willingness to work from the clinch to create striking opportunities. The query stays whether Yan can prevent prolonged ground control from Dvalishvili — the defining think about their first fight.

The Stakes are High for this Rematch

The stakes for UFC 323’s principal event transcend the belt itself. Dvalishvili’s 4 defenses in a single 12 months could be unprecedented in modern UFC bantamweight history, and a win over Yan would strengthen his claim as one in all the division’s best champions. His record-setting pace elevates his marketability while quietly putting him in conversations about pound-for-pound rankings, where he currently sits just outside the highest five.

For Yan, reclaiming the title could be a career-defining rebound. The previous champion has fought elite opposition almost exclusively for the past five years, and regaining gold after a turbulent stretch would validate the technical foundation of his style. A victory would also set the stage for brand spanking new matchups within the division, potentially altering the title picture heading into 2026.

From a tactical lens, expect Dvalishvili to push forward aggressively from the opening bell, testing Yan’s defensive reactions and forcing clinch exchanges to sap energy. The champion’s success hinges on mixing his high output striking — often exceeding 200 significant strike attempts in a fight — with chain wrestling that doesn’t allow Yan respiratory room. Conversely, Yan must keep the middle of the octagon, use lateral movement to avoid being pushed to the fence, and punish every failed takedown attempt with clean counters.

The psychological aspect also can’t be neglected. Dvalishvili’s confidence grew exponentially after his victory over Yan two years ago, while Yan’s competitive pride makes this rematch deeply personal. Each fighters are known for his or her composure under vibrant lights, suggesting a technical and physically demanding contest slightly than a reckless brawl.

UFC 323 will close out one in all the promotion’s most activity-packed championship runs in recent memory. With Dvalishvili’s tireless pace and Yan’s calculated sharpness, fans can expect a battle where the smallest mistake may determine the end result. Within the bantamweight division’s long history of rivalries, this fight has all the weather — world-class skill sets, unfinished business, and championship stakes — to turn into a defining moment for each men.

When the cage door shuts on December sixth, Dvalishvili can be fighting not only to defend his belt for the fourth time in 2025, but to construct a legacy rooted in resilience and relentless output. Yan can be fighting to tear the momentum away and reclaim a belt he believes was all the time his to maintain. One man will exit Las Vegas with championship gold. The opposite will carry the burden of a loss into an uncertain future in one in all the game’s most unforgiving divisions.