Las Vegas, October 14, 2025
News Summary
UFC CEO Dana White has revealed the fight card for UFC 323, featuring a bantamweight title rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan as the main event. The co-main event will see flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defend his title against Joshua Van. With several notable matchups planned, including Henry Cejudo’s return to the octagon, UFC 323 is shaping up to be a thrilling conclusion for the promotion this season.
Las Vegas – UFC CEO Dana White announced major matchups for UFC 323, set to take place on December 6, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena. This highly anticipated event will feature a championship main event between bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and former champion Petr Yan, alongside a co-main flyweight title bout between champion Alexandre Pantoja and challenger Joshua Van.
In the main event, Dvalishvili aims to defend his title for the fourth time in 2025, setting a new record for the most defenses in a single calendar year. His previous successful title defense came against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320, where he secured a unanimous decision victory. Dvalishvili has enjoyed a stellar year, notching victories over notable fighters such as Umar Nurmagomedov and Sean O’Malley. He last faced Yan in 2023, winning that contest decisively with a unanimous decision, marked by a significant strike advantage and multiple takedowns.
Yan will enter the octagon looking to reclaim his former title following a solid comeback, having won his last three fights, including a recent decision victory against Marcus McGhee. This rematch is particularly significant as both fighters have showcased their extraordinary skills and determination to rise within the bantamweight ranks.
The co-main event features a thrilling showdown in the flyweight division, with champion Alexandre Pantoja defending his title against the rising contender Joshua Van. Pantoja, who claimed the title from Brandon Moreno in December 2023, has successfully defended it four times, including an impressive submission victory over Kai Kara-France at UFC 317. He currently rides an eight-fight winning streak—an impressive feat in any division.
Challenger Joshua Van enters the bout after securing a title shot with an impressive five-fight winning streak, recent victory over Brandon Royval spotlighting his capability and readiness to challenge for the championship.
In addition to the title fights, UFC 323 will also feature former two-division champion Henry Cejudo against Payton Talbott in an exciting matchup. Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist, is looking to regain his form following a return to competition in 2023 after a brief retirement. Meanwhile, Talbott earned his place on the UFC roster through Dana White’s Contender Series and heads into the bout after a recent decision win over Felipe Lima.
Further, a light heavyweight bout between former champion Jan Błachowicz and rising contender Bogdan Guskov adds to the card’s star power. Błachowicz aims to end a losing streak that has persisted since May 2022, whereas Guskov is on a remarkable four-fight winning streak, with all his victories coming by way of finish.
UFC 323 is shaping up to be a significant conclusion to UFC’s 2025 calendar, featuring multiple major matchups with vast implications for the championships in several weight classes. As fighters prepare for what promises to be an eventful night in Las Vegas, fans can anticipate thrilling action inside the octagon.
FAQ
What is UFC 323?
UFC 323 is a mixed martial arts event that will be held on December 6, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It features a bantamweight title rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan, along with a co-main flyweight title bout between Alexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van.
Who are the key fighters participating in UFC 323?
Key fighters include bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, former champion Petr Yan, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, challenger Joshua Van, and former two-division champion Henry Cejudo.
How many title defenses has Dvalishvili made in 2025?
Dvalishvili is set to defend his bantamweight title for the fourth time in 2025, which would set a record for the most title defenses in a single calendar year.
Key Features of UFC 323
| Fight | Weight Class | Fighters |
|---|---|---|
| Main Event | Bantamweight | Merab Dvalishvili vs. Petr Yan |
| Co-Main Event | Flyweight | Alexandre Pantoja vs. Joshua Van |
| Featured Bout | Featherweight | Henry Cejudo vs. Payton Talbott |
| Featured Bout | Light Heavyweight | Jan Błachowicz vs. Bogdan Guskov |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- UFC: Dana White Announces UFC 323 Fights
- Wikipedia: Mixed Martial Arts
- ESPN: Merab Dvalishvili to Defend Title Again
- Google Search: UFC 323
- Sports Illustrated: Merab Dvalishvili’s Historic Win
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed Martial Arts
- MiddleEasy: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 Headlines UFC 323
- Google News: UFC 323
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