The bantamweight title was on the line for the fourth time in 2025 at UFC 323, and for the only time out of the bunch, Merab Dvalishvili did not leave with the belt.
This time it was Petr Yan (20-5 MMA, 12-4 UFC) who emerged triumphant, avenging his March 2023 loss to Dvalishvili (21-5 MMA, 14-3 UFC) with a sensational performance to claim a unanimous decision at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and become a two-time champ at 135 pounds.
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Yan did not record a successful title defense during his first run at the top of the division, but he’s determined to make a long reign this time around. Can he do it, though? Especially with Dvalishvili still looming and already angling for a trilogy bout next?
Watch the video above for thoughts on the future for both Yan and Dvalishvili after their UFC 323 title change.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 323 matchmaker: What’s next for Petr Yan, Merab Dvalishvili?
