News Summary
UFC CEO Dana White has announced the fight card for UFC 323, including a bantamweight title rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan. Dvalishvili aims for his fourth title defense while Yan seeks redemption after losing to Dvalishvili previously. The co-main event features a flyweight title bout between Alexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van. Additionally, notable bouts include Henry Cejudo facing Payton Talbott, and Jan Błachowicz competing against Bogdan Guskov. Fans can expect thrilling matchups as fighters vie for titles and reputation in the Octagon.
Las Vegas – UFC CEO Dana White recently announced the highly anticipated matchups for UFC 323, set to take place on December 6, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena. The event will feature a historic bantamweight title rematch between champion Merab Dvalishvili and former champion Petr Yan, along with a co-main flyweight title bout between Alexandre Pantoja and challenger Joshua Van.
In the main event, Dvalishvili will be defending his bantamweight title for the fourth time in the year 2025, setting a new record for the most title defenses in a single calendar year. Dvalishvili is coming off a successful title defense against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320, where he won by a unanimous decision. This victory added to an impressive slate of wins in 2025, including previous victories against Umar Nurmagomedov and Sean O’Malley. Dvalishvili previously faced Yan in 2023, where he secured a unanimous decision victory, dominating with a striking advantage (147-75) and executing 11 takedowns.
Petr Yan, who lost to Dvalishvili in their first encounter, is aiming for redemption in this rematch after a resurgence in his career. Yan has won his last three consecutive fights, the latest being a decision victory over Marcus McGhee. With both fighters coming into this match with momentum, the stakes are high for the bantamweight title.
The co-main event promises excitement as flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defends his title against rising contender Joshua Van. Pantoja has successfully defended his title four times since winning it from Brandon Moreno in December 2023. His most recent title defense was a submission victory against Kai Kara-France at UFC 317, extending his impressive winning streak to eight fights.
Challenging Pantoja, Joshua Van is currently on a five-fight winning streak, which includes a recent victory over Brandon Royval. This victory secured his shot at the flyweight title, as he aims to dethrone the reigning champion Pantoja.
In addition to the title fights, UFC 323 will showcase a notable bout featuring former two-division champion Henry Cejudo against up-and-coming fighter Payton Talbott. Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist, made his return to the Octagon in 2023 after a brief retirement but has faced challenges, suffering decision losses in his recent bouts. On the other hand, Talbott earned his way to the UFC roster through Dana White’s Contender Series and boasts an exciting fighting style, having recently secured a decision win against Felipe Lima.
Another significant matchup will see former light heavyweight champion Jan Błachowicz facing rising contender Bogdan Guskov. Błachowicz is looking to break a losing streak that has extended since May 2022, while Guskov comes into this fight with an impressive streak of four consecutive victories, all by way of finish.
UFC 323 is poised to be a dramatic conclusion to the UFC’s 2025 calendar, featuring multiple significant matchups with title implications across different weight classes. Fans can expect electrifying action as fighters vie for championships and status in the Octagon.
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Additional Resources
- UFC: Dana White Announces UFC 323 Fights
- Wikipedia: Mixed Martial Arts
- ESPN: Merab Dvalishvili to Defend Title Again
- Google Search: UFC 323
- Sports Illustrated: Merab Dvalishvili’s Historic Win
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed Martial Arts
- MiddleEasy: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 Headlines UFC 323
- Google News: UFC 323
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