In a thrilling and unexpected turn of events at UFC 323, former champion Petr Yan delivered one of the biggest upsets of the year by defeating heavily favored Merab Dvalishvili to capture the UFC bantamweight championship. The highly anticipated showdown took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on December 6, 2025, and showcased Yan’s precision striking, powerful kicks, and tactical brilliance.

Yan, who entered the fight with a 20-5 record, put on a commanding performance that ended Dvalishvili’s incredible 14-fight winning streak, a run that made the Georgian fighter one of the most dominant contenders in the division. With sharp boxing combinations and repeated rib-crushing body kicks, Yan dismantled Dvalishvili’s rhythm and neutralized his grappling threat, ultimately earning a unanimous decision victory.

After having fallen to Dvalishvili in March 2023, Yan expressed his satisfaction in reclaiming his place at the top.

“I’m very happy to stand here with the championship belt,” Yan said through an interpreter. “Thank you to all the fans. I worked very hard for this moment.”

A Rare Loss for Dvalishvili

Merab Dvalishvili, who entered the fight as a significant -425 betting favorite, had not been defeated since April 2018. His relentless pressure, wrestling dominance, and iron conditioning previously made him nearly unstoppable. Saturday’s loss marked his first defeat in more than seven years and his fourth title fight of 2025.

Despite the disappointing outcome, Dvalishvili remained composed and respectful.

“I lost today. Congratulations to him,” he said after the match.

Bettors who took a chance on Yan saw a big return, as a $100 bet on the underdog paid out $320 at BetMGM.

Co-Main Event: Joshua Van Claims Flyweight Belt in Dramatic Fashion

The co-main event delivered another surprising moment when challenger Joshua Van earned the UFC flyweight championship after a sudden TKO win over former champion Alexandre Pantoja. The fight ended in just 26 seconds, but not due to a typical knockout. Instead, Pantoja suffered an unfortunate shoulder injury while attempting a head kick.

As Pantoja threw a right roundhouse kick, Van blocked it cleanly. In the motion of trying to brace his fall, Pantoja’s left arm buckled under him, causing an immediate injury that forced him to signal referee Herb Dean to stop the fight. Van, who improved to 16-2, showed immediate concern and knelt beside Pantoja on the canvas in a moment of mutual respect.

A Night of High Stakes and High Drama

UFC 323 delivered unforgettable moments, from Yan’s spectacular comeback victory to the shocking early stoppage in the flyweight division. Yan now stands once again at the top of the bantamweight world, setting up new potential rivalries and future title defenses.

With both divisions shaken up, fans can expect major changes in rankings, upcoming matchups, and championship storylines in the months ahead.