Overview
- Merab Dvalishvili says the UFC told him to rest and that his next fight will be a title rematch with Petr Yan, following his UFC 323 loss.
- Yan initially downplayed an immediate trilogy but later said Dvalishvili is one of the few who deserve a rematch, as their rivalry spilled into fresh social media barbs.
- Michael Bisping urged Dvalishvili to take time off after an unusually active 2025 that included four title fights and a snapped 14-fight win streak.
- Daniel Cormier suggested the promotion could pivot to Sean O’Malley if he beats Song Yadong at UFC 324, while O’Malley accused Yan of brushing off a rematch.
- At lightweight, White said Tsarukyan must “work his way back” despite his No. 1 rank; Tsarukyan booked a Dec. 30 submission-only bout with Shara Magomedov as Islam Makhachev and others questioned the UFC’s matchmaking.