Auch Dvalishvili entthront – Horror injury costs permanent champion the UFC title
Bantamweight king Merab Dvalishvili wants to make history wiht four title defenses in one calendar year. At the major MMA event UFC 323,there are ultimately surprising title changes – for different reasons.
The UFC ends the 2025 calendar year with two title fights. In the rematch between bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan, fans will get the MMA spectacle they were hoping for at UFC 323 in Las Vegas. The duel for the flyweight belt between Alexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van ends in great disappointment.
Bantam king Dvalishvili started his advance to the top of the weight class with a win against former champion Yan two and a half years ago, and the Georgian now wanted to make history with his fourth title defence in 2025. But things were to turn out differently. Yan started the first round cautiously as usual, but had a strong hit on his side with
UFC fight Night Recap – December 7, 2024 (as reported December 7, 2025)
This UFC event saw two championship belts change hands, but with vastly different outcomes.
Yan Reclaims Bantamweight Title in Disappointing Defense for Dvalishvili:
Petr Yan defeated bantamweight champion dvalishvili by unanimous decision, reclaiming the title he previously held. While Dvalishvili attempted his usual wrestling-heavy approach, Yan proved to be a difficult opponent, successfully defending takedowns and landing cleaner, more effective strikes.Yan targeted DvalishviliS liver effectively, particularly in the later rounds, visibly hurting the champion. Dvalishvili acknowledged Yan’s victory and instantly requested a rematch.
Shocking Upset: Van Knocks Out Pantoja, Claims Flyweight Championship:
The flyweight title fight ended in a stunning and unfortunate fashion. Joshua van defeated Alexandre Pantoja by technical knockout just seconds into the first round with a kick. Pantoja suffered a dislocated elbow upon falling, forcing the fight to be stopped. Van, the second-youngest champion in UFC history, dedicated the win to his mother. A rematch is uncertain due to Pantoja’s expected lengthy recovery, with Tatsuro Taira potentially being Van’s first title defense opponent.The fight was a major disappointment given Pantoja’s dominant reign and the anticipation for a competitive matchup.
Source: ntv.de, mba