LATEST
UFC

Merab Dvalishvili Defends Title for a Fourth Time in a Year

Published: Updated: Charlie Oxtoby 4 mins read 0 Disclosure

Uses your browser’s text-to-speech for accessibility.

Merab Dvalishvili Defends Title

Source: Deposit Photos

UFC President Dana White announced the final numbered events of the year, which are set to take place in Las Vegas.

Four announcements were made relatively recently for UFC 323, with two unmissable title fights and two eye-catching three-round bouts.

The T-Mobile Arena has already hosted three UFC events, each of which has seen a new champion.

Here are the anticipated battles that have been announced for the last PPV of 2025.

Main Event: Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan

A long-awaited rematch takes place in the headliner as a Georgian tries to repeat history, while a Russian plots revenge.

Dvalishvili will be defending his Bantamweight title for a fourth time in a calendar year, already maintaining his title against Umar Nurmagomedov, Sean O’Malley and Cory Sandhagen.

‘The Machine’ was only crowned champion in September 2024, and his recent title defence occurred just over a week ago.

Sitting at #3 in the pound-for-pound rankings, the King of the 135-pound division is showing why he is the most respected champion in the organisation.

Yan’s redemption arc has been a joy to watch, equalling his three-fight losing streak with three consecutive decision triumphs.

ALSO READ:  Five UFC Fighters in High Contention for a Title Fight

The 32-year-old’s hard-fought victories have come against Song Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo and Marcus McGhee.

The former UFC Bantamweight Champion is hoping to reclaim the belt and provide the ultimate comeback story.

This championship fight is certainly a crowd-pleaser, but who will succeed in the second bout of this rivalry?

Co-Main Event: Alexandre Pantoja vs Joshua Van

An expected five-round fight for many, nonetheless it will produce fireworks for UFC fans.

Pantoja defends the Flyweight title for the fifth time after submitting Kai Kara-France at UFC 317 in his last defence.

‘The Cannibal’ has looked unstoppable in his eight-fight winning streak, showing dominance in almost every battle.

A victory at UFC 323 could prove that no one is worthy enough to defeat the Brazilian.

Van earned the title shot after a three-round war against Brandon Royval at UFC 317, winning by unanimous decision.

Since his first UFC loss in July 2024, ‘The Fearless’ has gone on a five-fight win streak, quickly making himself a recognised prospect.

With all the hype he brings at 24 years old, the #1 contender may be the last hope to dethrone the champion with his elite striking.

ALSO READ:  Five UFC Fighters in High Contention for a Title Fight

It may be one of the most exciting Flyweight title fights since the Moreno and Figueiredo quadrilogy.

Jan Blachowicz vs Bogdan Guskov

It’s veteran vs prospect in the Light Heavyweight division, which could easily go either way.

Blachowicz is winless in his last three bouts after his recent fight ended with a decision loss to Carlos Ulberg at UFC London.

The former 205-pound champion fought to regain the title three years ago against Magomed Ankalaev, only salvaging a split draw at UFC 282.

With 18 finishes in 29 victories, the #4 contender is eager to earn his 30th career win in fascinating style.

Guskov has made an impressive run to his current position, sitting on a four-fight win streak as a heavily eyed prospect.

The Uzbekistan mixed martial artist earned a first-round knockout in his last fight against Nikita Krylov in Abu Dhabi.

The #11 contender has a 100% finish rate, consisting of 15 knockouts and three submissions.

Guskov will be hoping to boost the Light Heavyweight rankings, but Blachowicz will try to deny that as he’s keen for redemption.

ALSO READ:  Five UFC Fighters in High Contention for a Title Fight

Henry Cejudo vs Payton Talbott

Another situation where we have a former champion taking on a well-known prospect, this time in the Bantamweight division.

Cejudo stands on a three-fight losing streak after his most recent defeat was a fourth-round TKO loss to Yadong at UFC Seattle.

The former two-division champion holds prestigious victories over Demetrious Johnson, TJ Dillashaw and Dominick Cruz.

The #10 contender wants to return to the win column, or else retirement could be calling for ‘Triple C’.

Talbott redeemed his first MMA loss after going the distance with Felipe Lima to win by unanimous decision at UFC 317.

The 27-year-old was seen as full of potential after his first three UFC fights showcased some impressive performances.

Out of his 10 triumphs, seven of his battles have ended by KO/TKO as he is a big danger on the feet.

A vast opportunity strikes for the Las Vegas fighter as he tries to take out a legend of the sport.

📰 Subscribe to our newsletter 💬 Leave a comment

100 Shares
Do you agree?
×

Disclosure: World In Sport may earn commission from affiliate links in this article, at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue to produce independent, high-quality sports journalism. Learn more.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share via
Copy link
×

Disclosure: World In Sport may earn commission from affiliate links in this article, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep delivering quality sports content. Learn more.