Merab Dvalishvili entered UFC 323 carrying one of the toughest schedules of any reigning champion, competing three times earlier in the year and attempting to secure an unprecedented fourth defense. His rematch with Petr Yan, however, ended with the belt going the other way.
Once the fight concluded, the former champion went online with his only public reaction, writing:
“Tonight wasn’t my night, but I will back stronger than ever. Thank you everyone for your support.”
Yan’s Tactical Adjustment
Their second meeting looked nothing like the first. Rather than allowing Dvalishvili to dictate pace with takedown pressure, Petr Yan relied on improved timing, fast counters and a steady accumulation of body attacks. Dvalishvili never stopped advancing, but Yan’s accuracy created visible damage early and continued building through all five rounds.
After twenty-five minutes, the judges ruled decisively in Yan’s favor, restoring him as the UFC bantamweight champion.
tonight wasn’t my night, but I will back stronger than ever. Thank you everyone for your support. 🙏
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) December 7, 2025
Backstage Reaction and What’s Next
Dana White shared a post-fight photo of Dvalishvili, describing him only with the caption “savage!”, recognizing the brutal effort he put in despite the result.
Dana White just shared a picture of Merab Dvalishvili’s face after #UFC323 pic.twitter.com/cl8xkvWaCc
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) December 7, 2025
For Yan, the performance earned an additional bonus for participating in the event’s Fight of the Night. For Dvalishvili, the night marks the end of a demanding championship run and the beginning of a recovery period before targeting a return next year.
