WATCH: Merab Dvalishvili Lets Out Audible Scream After Petr Yan’s Nasty Body Kick at UFC 323

Petr Yan technically dismantles Merab Dvalishvili to win the bantamweight title at UFC 323 and become a two-time champion.

WATCH: Merab Dvalishvili Lets Out Audible Scream After Petr Yan’s Nasty Body Kick at UFC 323

Petr Yan dismantles Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323 (via MMA Fighting)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

UFC 323 PPV event delivered an unforgettable bantamweight title showdown between champion Merab Dvalishvili and challenger Petr Yan. The Russian striker ultimately halted the Georgian’s dominant run at 135 pounds with an impressive unanimous decision. The result marked a definitive shift in momentum within the division.

In the bout, Yan landed heavier and more damaging shots overall, while using elite takedown defense to neutralize Dvalishvili’s primary strength. According to official figures, he thwarted 27 out of Dvalishvili’s 29 takedown attempts. The judges scored the contest unanimously in Yan’s favor, reflecting his control of both striking and defensive grappling throughout the five rounds.

Notably, Yan didn’t just defend; he attacked the Georgian star. He secured several takedowns of his own and even managed to fend off multiple submission attempts, including guillotine choke bids by Dvalishvili. However, a turning point came in Round 3 when a body kick from Yan visibly hurt Dvalishvili, causing him to recoil, which was a moment that underscored Yan’s striking power and timing.

The UFC 323 matchup also served as a rematch of their first meeting in 2023, a bout Dvalishvili won by unanimous decision. That earlier loss marked a turning point for Yan, who went on to rebuild his standing in the division. He assembled a three-fight win streak over Song Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo, and Marcus McGhee to earn another title shot.

In the build-up to UFC 323, Yan pointed to an arm injury suffered during their first fight as a factor that slowed him down. This claim was questioned directly by Dvalishvili ahead of the rematch, who dismissed it as an excuse. Yan responded by focusing on his preparation and conditioning leading into the second meeting. The rematch result ultimately reinforced his recovery and validated his performance adjustments.

In conclusion, Petr Yan’s victory at UFC 323 did more than regain the belt, as it re-asserted him as a major force at 135 pounds. By defeating Merab Dvalishvili and ending his extended reign, Yan became a two-time champion. His return to the top comes after losing the title via a controversial illegal knee to Aljamain Sterling in 2021. The result reshapes the division and sets the platform for future challengers.

Merab Dvalishvili weighs in on his UFC 323 title loss to Petr Yan

Merab Dvalishvili had firmly established himself as one of the most dominant champions in bantamweight history before UFC 323. His matchup with Petr Yan was set to be his fourth title defense within a single year. A victory would have marked a new divisional record for consecutive defenses in that span. The bout carried major historical significance for his reign.

Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323
Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323 (via The Independent)

His run of performances had been so commanding that major commentators openly questioned whether anyone in the division could stop him. That level of dominance elevated expectations heading into UFC 323. The loss to Yan shifted the trajectory of his championship campaign. It also set the stage for his post-fight reflections on strategy and execution.

I tried to put on a show and I lost the fight. He had a better game plan. Congrats to him, but I want a rematch. Making 135 is always hard for me because I cut weight my own way. I don’t trust nutritionists. I’m not looking for excuses. I tried to fight in an exciting way, everyone is happy and that’s what matters most. I didn’t want to wrestle, fighting boring. I wanted to stand and trade with him, and today he was better.

Merab Dvalishvili via UFC

The outcome now reshapes the upper tier of the bantamweight landscape. Dvalishvili remains one of the most accomplished fighters in the division, maintaining a strong résumé and proven championship ability. Yan’s win adds new dynamics to future matchmaking and potential rematches. The division moves forward with renewed stakes and shifting competitive balance.

Also Read: