MMA Match Preview: (Title Fight) – Merab Dvalishvili (21-4) vs. Petr Yan (19-5)
The bantamweight division crowns its king once more at UFC 323 as reigning champion Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (21-4) defends his title against former champion Petr “No Mercy” Yan (19-5) in a highly anticipated rematch on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Dvalishvili, the No. 1-ranked pound-for-pound contender, enters chasing UFC immortality: a fourth title defense in 2025, shattering the single-year record held by the likes of Ronda Rousey and Kamaru Usman. His relentless wrestling (6.40 takedowns per 15 minutes) and unbreakable cardio have dismantled elites like Umar Nurmagomedov and Cory Sandhagen, but the Georgian’s frenetic schedule raises whispers of burnout. Yan, the No. 3-ranked challenger, returns revitalized after three straight unanimous decisions, including a gritty five-round grind over Deiveson Figueiredo. The 32-year-old Russian’s Muay Thai precision (5.12 significant strikes landed per minute) and 58% striking defense make him a perennial threat, but his 2023 lopsided loss to Dvalishvili—amid a broken hand—fuels bad blood and redemption talk. This five-round main event, dubbed “Yan 2,” pits Dvalishvili’s smothering pressure against Yan’s technical striking in a clash that could redefine legacies, with the winner eyeing 2026 super-fights amid the UFC’s broadcast shift to Paramount+.
Venue Location
The Octagon ignites at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada (the Las Vegas Valley), at 3780 South Las Vegas Boulevard. This 20,000-seat colossus, opened in 2016 as the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights’ fortress, has hosted 18 UFC spectacles, including the chaotic UFC 229 (McGregor vs. Khabib) and its legendary brawl. Nestled beside the New York-New York Hotel & Casino and the glittering Strip, it’s a transit haven: Las Vegas Monorail (MGM Grand station) or rideshare hubs (Uber/Lyft at Park MGM). Perks include a 360-degree video crown, elite suites with fighter meet-and-greets, and concessions like “Takedown Tacos” and premium bars. As the UFC’s ESPN PPV finale before the 2026 Paramount+ era, expect a sold-out frenzy of 19,500+; tickets via Ticketmaster start at $250 for main card uppers, with T-Mobile garage parking at $50/event.
Time: 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT) for main card (Dvalishvili-Yan headlines around 12:15 a.m. ET)
Broadcast: ESPN+ PPV (main card, $79.99), ESPN/ESPN+ (prelims at 8:00 p.m. ET), ESPN+ (early prelims at 6:00 p.m. ET). International via UFC Fight Pass; SiriusXM Fight Nation (Ch. 93) for audio.
Injury Report
Dvalishvili’s “Machine” moniker hides a warrior’s toll: he’s battled through a broken toe (vs. O’Malley in June), back injury, and staph infection (vs. Nurmagomedov in January), yet enters cleared after a clean weigh-in at 135 lbs. Yan, post-ACL/meniscus surgery from UFC 299 (March 2024), reports full recovery from that and a groin strain, hitting the scales without issue—his camp uninterrupted since the July UD over McGhee.
| Fighter | Status | Recent Injury History | Notes |
| Merab Dvalishvili | Cleared | Broken toe (Jun. 2025 vs. O’Malley; healed); back injury/staph (Jan. 2025 vs. Nurmagomedov; resolved) | Full clearance; no restrictions, cardio unaffected |
| Petr Yan | Cleared | ACL/meniscus tear/groin (Mar. 2024 UFC 299; surgery/recovered by Nov. 2024) | Knee stable; striking/grappling honed |
Fighter Matchups
Dvalishvili’s wrestling avalanche (68″ reach parity) overwhelms Yan’s footwork, but the Russian’s counters (58% defense) lurk in transitions. Dvalishvili’s 4.33 SLpM volume meets Yan’s 5.12 precision—expect takedown chess with striking bursts.
Striking: Volume Grind vs. Technical Precision
Dvalishvili’s pressure (56% defense, absorbs 3.89/min) tests Yan’s range management (lands 5.12/min, 58% defense). In 2023, Dvalishvili outlanded Yan 147-75 despite 49 TD attempts; Yan’s body work (23% targets) could slow “The Machine.” Edge: Yan early; Dvalishvili late (his pace tires foes).
Grappling: Takedown Chains vs. Stuff-and-Counter
Dvalishvili’s 6.40 TD/15 min (0.9 subs attempted) vs. Yan’s 80% TD defense (0.7 subs/15 min). Yan stuffed 39/49 attempts in 2023 but spent 6:48 in control; Dvalishvili’s top game (north-south chokes) exploits scrambles. Edge: Dvalishvili—his 92 UFC TDs (record) overwhelm Yan’s sprawls.
Cardio & Durability: Endless Engine vs. Late Fade Risk
Dvalishvili’s decisions (71% wins, avg. 23:45 time) shine in five-rounders; Yan’s 58% decisions but gassed post-R3 (e.g., vs. Figueiredo). Dvalishvili absorbed 195 strikes vs. Sandhagen; Yan’s chin held vs. McGhee. Edge: Dvalishvili—his “preternatural” tank (per analysts) breaks Yan by Rd. 4.
Recent Form
Dvalishvili is 4-0 in 2025 (three title defenses), extending a 15-fight streak: UD vs. Sandhagen (Oct., 49-46 x3, suffocating control), Sub (NSC) vs. O’Malley (Jun., Rd. 3, 4:42 POTN), UD vs. Nurmagomedov (Jan., 49-46 x3, FOTN, 92 TDs record). His activity (four fights) cements Fighter of the Year buzz. Yan is 3-0 in 2025 (all UDs): vs. McGhee (Jul., 29-28 x3), vs. Figueiredo (Nov. 2024, 49-46 x2/48-47, five-round main), vs. Song (Mar. 2024, 29-28 x3, despite ACL tear).
| Last 5 Fights | Record | Key Win | Key Loss | Notes |
| Dvalishvili | 5-0-0 | W-UD vs. Sandhagen (Oct. 2025) | N/A | 80% decisions; 200+ strikes avg., 20+ TDs |
| Yan | 4-1-0 | W-UD vs. McGhee (Jul. 2025) | L-UD vs. Dvalishvili (Mar. 2023) | 100% decisions lately; 120 strikes landed avg. |
Fight History
One prior meeting: Dvalishvili dominated Yan via UD (50-45 x3) on March 11, 2023 (UFC Fight Night 221), outlanding him 147-75 sig strikes, landing 11/49 TDs, and controlling 6:48—earning FOTN. Yan fought hobbled (broken hand, per post-fight claims); no other H2H. All-time bantamweight rematches: 6-4 for first winners, but Dvalishvili’s style favors repeats.
| Date | Result | Score | Key Performer |
| Mar. 11, 2023 | Dvalishvili Win | UD (50-45 x3) | Dvalishvili: 11 TDs, 147 strikes |
Betting Trends
Dvalishvili is 15-0 SU streak, 12-3 ATS; public crushes him (75% tickets), 10-4 Over in wins. He’s 3-0 SU as -400+ fave in 2025. Yan is 3-0 SU 2025 (all UDs), 2-1 ATS; sharps nibble +330 (45% handle), but 0-3 SU vs. wrestlers. H2H: Dvalishvili 1-0. Public 68% Dvalishvili ML; trends favor Over 4.5 (Dvalishvili 80% decisions).
Trends: Dvalishvili 14/15 Over 4.5; Yan 4/5 Over 4.5. Dvalishvili 4-0 SU 2025; Yan 3-0 SU 2025.
FIGHT ODDS
Merab Dvalishvili – 425
Petr Yan + 330
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 5, 2025
