News Summary
UFC CEO Dana White has announced the matchups for UFC’s last numbered event, featuring a bantamweight title rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan. Dvalishvili aims for a record-setting fourth title defense, while Yan seeks to reclaim his title. The co-main event will feature flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defending against challenger Joshua Van. Additional matchups include Henry Cejudo facing Payton Talbott and Jan Błachowicz fighting Bogdan Guskov, promising a diverse and competitive lineup for fans.
Las Vegas – UFC CEO Dana White has officially unveiled the matchups for UFC’s last numbered event of 2025, scheduled for December 6, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena. The event will be headlined by a highly anticipated bantamweight title rematch between reigning champion Merab Dvalishvili and former champion Petr Yan. This bout will mark Dvalishvili’s fourth title defense in 2025, setting a record for the most title defenses within a single calendar year in UFC history.
Dvalishvili’s impressive year included notable victories against top contenders, notably overcoming Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320 with a unanimous decision victory. He previously claimed victories over formidable opponents Umar Nurmagomedov and Sean O’Malley. In their first encounter, Dvalishvili bested Yan in 2023, showcasing his dominance with a significant strike metric of 147 to 75 and completing 11 successful takedowns. Yan will be eager to reclaim the title after reestablishing his career with three consecutive wins, including a decision victory over Marcus McGhee, setting the stage for a thrilling rematch.
The co-main event will see flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defending his title against rising challenger Joshua Van. Pantoja is coming off a successful title defense against Kai Kara-France at UFC 317, where he secured the win via submission. Since capturing the title from Brandon Moreno in December 2023, Pantoja has successfully defended his title four times, bringing his current winning streak to eight bouts. Meanwhile, Joshua Van, who earned his title shot after a significant win against Brandon Royval, is currently on a five-fight winning streak and will look to challenge Pantoja’s reign.
Beyond the title fights, UFC 323 will feature former two-division champion Henry Cejudo facing Payton Talbott. Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist, returned to the Octagon in 2023 after a brief retirement but has faced setbacks with two decision losses in recent fights. Talbott made a mark in the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series and demonstrated his potential with a recent decision win over Felipe Lima, promising an exciting matchup against the two-time champion.
Adding to the excitement, a light heavyweight clash between ex-champion Jan Błachowicz and up-and-coming contender Bogdan Guskov is also set for the event. Błachowicz is looking to break a troubling losing streak, as he has not tasted victory since May 2022, while Guskov is riding high on a phenomenal four-fight finishing streak, marking him as a fighter to watch.
UFC 323 is poised to be a significant event, not only for its title implications but also for the diverse range of matchups that includes some of the most skilled fighters in the organization. The culmination of these carefully crafted bouts underscores the UFC’s commitment to delivering thrilling and competitive entertainment to its fans, setting the stage for an electrifying finish to its 2025 calendar.
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
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
