Overview
- Petr Yan defeated Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision at UFC 323 (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) to reclaim the bantamweight title and end Dvalishvili’s 14-fight streak.
- Dvalishvili says the UFC told him his next bout will be a title rematch when he is ready, though no fight has been announced.
- The new champion rose to No. 6 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings and credited a mindset focused on constant initiative and visible damage for the win.
- Debate over Yan’s next opponent continues, with Daniel Cormier suggesting the promotion could favor Sean O’Malley if he beats Song Yadong, while O’Malley accuses Yan of avoiding a rematch; these remain opinions rather than confirmed plans.
- Following a fourth title fight in 2025, coach John Wood acknowledged Yan’s bigger moments, and Michael Bisping urged Dvalishvili to take a break before pursuing the trilogy.