As fight night on December 6, 2025 approaches, the anticipation around UFC 323 continues to intensify. Headlining the card is the highly anticipated bantamweight title rematch between reigning champion Merab Dvalishvili and former titleholder Petr Yan. The fight was already guaranteed to draw massive attention based on their history alone, but recent leaks, rumors, and behind-the-scenes tension have turned Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 into one of the most discussed UFC events of the year.
This rematch represents more than just another title defense. It is a showdown between two rivals with unfinished business, and both fighters enter the octagon with everything on the line: legacy, redemption, and the future of the bantamweight division.
Why This Rematch Matters
Merab Dvalishvili is attempting something no bantamweight champion has done before: a fourth UFC title defense within the same calendar year. His pace, pressure, and high-volume wrestling style have elevated him from contender to dominant champion. His recent performances have shown that his cardio and relentlessness are unmatched, and many analysts now rank him among the most physically imposing champions in the division’s history.
Petr Yan, on the other hand, is no stranger to championship pressure. Once regarded as one of the most technically precise fighters in the UFC, Yan’s career has seen dramatic highs and lows. His split-decision losses in 2022 followed by back-to-back wins reinvigorated his run, proving he remains a top-tier bantamweight threat. According to the official UFC fighter statistics (https://ufcstats.com), Yan still holds some of the cleanest striking numbers in the division, making this rematch even more compelling.
What Happened in Their First Fight
Their first meeting occurred in March 2023 at UFC Fight Night 221. At that moment, Yan was already under pressure following two consecutive defeats, while Dvalishvili was surging in momentum.
The fight showcased one of the most dramatic stylistic contrasts the division had seen:
- Yan attempted to maintain distance and rely on his sharp boxing.
- Dvalishvili used nonstop forward pressure, chaining takedowns together, and never allowing Yan to establish rhythm.
By the end of the five rounds, Dvalishvili had secured 11 takedowns and outpaced Yan in nearly every category. The judges awarded Dvalishvili a dominant unanimous decision victory, with all scorecards reading 50–45. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.
After the fight, Yan later revealed that he had entered the bout with a fractured right hand. According to his camp, the injury severely limited his striking output and ability to counter Dvalishvili’s takedown attempts. Whether this explanation fully accounts for the one-sided outcome remains debated, but it undeniably added a layer of intrigue ahead of their eventual rematch.
For fans wanting a deeper look at their careers, both fighters have detailed competitive histories available on Sherdog’s fighter profiles (https://www.sherdog.com/), which highlight their evolution leading up to UFC 323.
How Things Have Changed Since Their First Clash
Much has shifted in the two years since Yan and Dvalishvili first met. Dvalishvili captured the UFC bantamweight title in September 2024 and has defended it three times since then. His transformation from contender to champion has been marked by consistency, durability, and a style that few fighters have been able to answer.
Yan’s path back to the top has been different but equally significant. After fully recovering from his hand injury, he returned with sharper boxing, improved defensive wrestling, and a more patient, tactical game plan. Three consecutive wins placed him back in the title picture, and now he enters UFC 323 as a determined challenger with something to prove.
The stakes are clear: if Dvalishvili wins, he further solidifies his status as one of the most dominant bantamweights ever. If Yan wins, he completes one of the greatest redemption arcs in recent UFC history.
Rumors, Leaks, and Rising Tension
In recent weeks, rumors have surfaced suggesting that sparring footage, internal strategy notes, or other training-camp information may have been leaked online. While neither camp has officially confirmed these claims, they have fueled discussion within the MMA community. The speculation has added tension between both teams, who already carry a competitive and personal rivalry.
Part of what makes Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 so compelling is their history outside the cage. Their camps have exchanged words repeatedly, and both fighters have expressed frustration over how the first fight is portrayed. Yan insists that his injury played a major role in the outcome, while Dvalishvili continues to maintain that his pressure-heavy style was simply overwhelming and that the rematch will look similar.
Regardless of which version is closer to the truth, the rivalry has intensified.
What to Watch for on Fight Night
Several key factors will likely determine the outcome:
- Striking distance and timing: Yan must establish his boxing early and punish Dvalishvili whenever he tries to close the distance.
- Takedown success: Dvalishvili’s wrestling is his biggest weapon. If he secures takedowns and controls the pace, Yan may once again be forced into survival mode.
- Cardio and pressure: Dvalishvili’s stamina is elite. Yan’s ability to maintain composure and remain effective deep into championship rounds will be critical.
- Mental game: After a clear defeat in their first fight, Yan must overcome both physical and psychological hurdles to reclaim the belt.
Final Thoughts
UFC 323 promises to deliver one of the most emotionally charged and technically fascinating rematches in recent bantamweight history. With leaked details amplifying the hype, both fighters entering at their competitive peak, and the title hanging in the balance, Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 has all the ingredients of a classic.
Whether the champion retains or the former king rises again, December 6 will shape the future of the division for years to come.