UPDATE: UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is set to defend his title against Petr Yan on December 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Just days after his latest victory at UFC 322, Dvalishvili is eager to make history by attempting to become the first champion to defend a title four times in a single calendar year.
In a thrilling announcement made by UFC CEO Dana White on Monday, the main event for UFC 323 promises to be a pivotal showdown in the bantamweight division. Dvalishvili (21-4) will face off against Yan (19-5), who is looking to reclaim his former glory. If Dvalishvili secures a win, he will set a remarkable record that would solidify his place in UFC history.
“You’ve got to respect Merab for wanting to break the record,” White stated, emphasizing the significance of this matchup. “I love this s—.”
The fight comes on the heels of Dvalishvili’s dominant performance against Yan in their previous encounter in March 2023, where he out-landed Yan with a staggering total of 147 to 75 strikes and executed 11 takedowns throughout the bout. This decisive victory not only showcased Dvalishvili’s skill but also established him as a formidable force in the octagon, currently ranking him as the No. 3 pound-for-pound fighter in the world according to ESPN.
In addition to the bantamweight title fight, UFC 323 will feature another exciting title defense as flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja (30-5) faces rising contender Joshua Van (15-2). The card will also include a rematch between former two-weight champion Henry Cejudo (16-5) and Payton Talbott (10-1), adding further excitement to an already action-packed event.
As fans eagerly await this clash of titans, the stakes have never been higher for Dvalishvili. Not only is he defending his title, but he is also on the verge of etching his name into the UFC record books. With just weeks to go, all eyes will be on Las Vegas as UFC 323 approaches.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and prepare for what promises to be a monumental night in UFC history.