Petr Yan reclaimed the UFC bantamweight championship on Saturday night, stunning Merab Dvalishvili with a unanimous decision win during the main event at UFC 323 in Las Vegas.
In the co-main event, Joshua Van was crowned the new flyweight champion in an anticlimactic finish, as Alexandre Pantoja severely injured his arm just 26 seconds into their fight.
Here are five key insights from the final pay-per-view event of the ESPN era.
Yan’s Remarkable Comeback
The turnaround in Yan’s career has been remarkable. Not long ago, he was on a three-fight losing streak and had lost four of his last five bouts. After a one-sided loss to Dvalishvili in 2023, many believed that Yan’s time as a bantamweight contender was over, viewing his brief title reign as merely a historical footnote.
However, at age 32, Yan delivered an exceptional performance against a top-tier opponent. He tackled the challenge head-on, learned from their previous encounter, adjusted his strategy, and executed a nearly flawless fight against Dvalishvili. Yan is back at the top, and the end of his career no longer seems imminent, as it did a couple of years ago.
While it’s uncertain how long Yan will hold the title, anything that comes afterward is a bonus since few anticipated his return to this position.
Did Dvalishvili’s Schedule Take Its Toll?
It’s difficult to gauge whether Dvalishvili’s intense schedule contributed to his performance, but it’s worth considering whether four title defenses in one year might have been too ambitious, even for him. These weren’t just any fights; he faced top contenders each time, which took a physical toll through intense training camps, weight cuts, and challenging bouts.
Should you ask Dvalishvili about his quick turnaround to face Yan, he would likely respond positively, embodying the fighter’s tenacity. Yet, in retrospect, there may be a reason he was the first UFC fighter to attempt such a demanding schedule of title defenses in a single year.
The Bantamweight Division Is Thriving
Yan’s victory over Dvalishvili has unexpectedly opened up the bantamweight division, making it more intriguing than ever. Dvalishvili arguably deserves an immediate rematch as a contender in the bantamweight GOAT conversation, although a break for recovery might be wise. In the meantime, a bout against Umar Nurmagomedov would be captivating if he overcomes Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 324, along with a potential rematch against Sean O’Malley if he wins against Song Yadong on the January 24 card.
Such a shake-up in the division can create exciting new matchups, especially for Nurmagomedov and O’Malley, who earlier faced Dvalishvili in competitive contests.
A Rematch Between Van and Pantoja Is Essential
As for rematches, Van must face Pantoja again after the unfortunate outcome of their recent fight. What was initially a highly anticipated matchup ended abruptly due to Pantoja’s elbow injury just 26 seconds in. While Van deserves to celebrate his title win, claiming to be the best flyweight without a proper victory over Pantoja is debatable.
UFC CEO Dana White has mentioned that Pantoja could be sidelined for some time, so Van may fight another contender like Tatsuro Taira in the interim. Nonetheless, Pantoja should be granted a title shot as soon as he recovers, ideally against Van, as their first encounter had potential for an epic showdown.
Cejudo’s Final Fight a Testament to His Grit
Henry Cejudo, while never a fan favorite, garnered respect from the MMA community during his retirement fight. Though he was outmatched by Payton Talbott, the 38-year-old displayed impressive heart and determination, enduring tough shots and continuously moving forward in a fierce battle.
This courageous performance was a testament to his legacy, emphasizing that while age is a factor, the sport is often dominated by younger fighters.
