Overview

• Dana White confirmed Merab Dvalishvili will defend the bantamweight title against Petr Yan at UFC 323 on Dec. 6 in Las Vegas.
• White said he has “warmed up” to Dvalishvili and praised the champion’s mentality after an exceptionally active 2025.
• Dvalishvili defeated Cory Sandhagen by unanimous decision at UFC 320, recording 20 takedowns for a new title-fight mark.
• Sandhagen downplayed the record as a “gamey way to win,” arguing many takedowns lacked damaging control and consumed clock in body-locks.
• A victory over Yan would mark Dvalishvili’s fourth successful defense of 2025, and Sandhagen has set his sights on a bout with Sean O’Malley.