Merab Dvalishvili is set to face Petr Yan at UFC 323, further solidifying his status in the bantamweight division. This title defense marks Dvalishvili’s fourth of the year, following impressive victories that have made headlines in the UFC.
Dvalishvili vs. Yan: A Title Showdown
Dvalishvili, the current bantamweight champion with a record of 21 wins and 4 losses, grabbed the title from Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 in September 2024. He quickly established himself by defending his title three times this year. His notable victories include:
- Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 in January
- Sean O’Malley in a rematch at UFC 316 in June
- Cory Sandhagen earlier in October
If Dvalishvili defeats Yan, he will achieve a historic milestone as the first UFC fighter to secure four title defenses within a single calendar year.
Challenges Ahead: Yan’s Comeback
Petr Yan, boasting a record of 19 wins and 5 losses, poses a significant challenge. The Russian fighter is on a three-fight win streak, having secured victories over:
- Marcus McGhee
- Deiveson Figueiredo
- Yadong Song
His last defeat was against Dvalishvili in March 2023, making this matchup highly anticipated.
Co-Main Event: Pantoja vs. Van
The co-main event at UFC 323 will feature a flyweight title fight between champion Alexandre Pantoja and contender Joshua Van. Pantoja, who holds a record of 30 wins and 5 losses, has been a dominant force in the flyweight division since capturing the title from Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 in July 2023. His recent title defenses include:
- Kai Kara-France (via submission)
- Kai Asakura
- Brandon Royval
- Steve Erceg
His latest victory against Kara-France showcased his grappling prowess with a third-round rear-naked choke, marking his second consecutive submission win.
Rising Star: Joshua Van
Joshua Van, aged 23, is the top-ranked contender in the flyweight category with a record of 15 wins and 2 losses. He’s riding a five-fight win streak, including a notable performance against Brandon Royval at UFC 317, where both fighters set a UFC record for the most significant strikes landed in a three-round fight. Van emerged victorious by unanimous decision, making a name for himself in the UFC.
Since his debut in June 2023, Van has gained considerable attention, currently holding the record for the highest significant strikes landed per minute in UFC history at 8.86. His only setback was a knockout loss to Charles Johnson in July 2024. Training in Texas, Van continues to rise as one of the most exciting fighters in mixed martial arts.
