UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is set to make his fourth title defense in a highly anticipated rematch against No. 2-ranked Petr Yan at UFC 323 in Las Vegas on December 6, the promotion confirmed. UFC CEO Dana White first revealed the matchup last week. The two last met in March 2023 at UFC Fight Night 221, where Dvalishvili dominated with a relentless pace, outstriking Yan 147-75 and securing 11 takedowns en route to a unanimous decision victory, sweeping all five rounds on the judges’ scorecards.
Since then, the Georgian champion has only strengthened his grip on the division. Dvalishvili (21-4) claimed the bantamweight title in September 2024 by defeating Sean O’Malley via unanimous decision and has already defended the belt three times this year, including a successful rematch against O’Malley in June. His reign has been record-breaking – he’s riding a 13-fight winning streak, the longest in UFC bantamweight history, and holds the record for most career takedowns in UFC history (117).
Yan (19-5), meanwhile, is determined to even the score. The former champion has never been finished in his MMA career and earned his rematch after notable wins over Song Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo, and Marcus McGhee.
Since then, the Georgian champion has only strengthened his grip on the division. Dvalishvili (21-4) claimed the bantamweight title in September 2024 by defeating Sean O’Malley via unanimous decision and has already defended the belt three times this year, including a successful rematch against O’Malley in June. His reign has been record-breaking – he’s riding a 13-fight winning streak, the longest in UFC bantamweight history, and holds the record for most career takedowns in UFC history (117).
Yan (19-5), meanwhile, is determined to even the score. The former champion has never been finished in his MMA career and earned his rematch after notable wins over Song Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo, and Marcus McGhee.
In the co-main event, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja will defend his belt against top contender Joshua Van. Pantoja, who owns the most wins and finishes in UFC flyweight history, faces the fast-rising 24-year-old Van – who aims to become the first UFC champion born after 2000.