Petr Yan Dethrones Merab Dvalishvili, Becomes New UFC Bantamweight Champion

Russian fighter Petr Yan delivered an exceptional striking display to defeat Merab Dvalishvili and claim the UFC bantamweight title via unanimous decision after an intense five-round battle at UFC 323 held at the T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night.

In the co-main event, Joshua Van was unexpectedly crowned flyweight champion after Brazil’s Alexandre Pantoja, who was defending his title for the fifth time, suffered a severe broken arm just 26 seconds into their bout.

Yan, having lost to Dvalishvili in their previous encounter in March 2023, started the main event with determination. He utilised his sharp boxing skills to control the distance in the first two rounds, causing noticeable damage to his opponent’s face.

Gaining confidence, Yan attempted

a surprising takedown but quickly regretted it as Dvalishvili, from Georgia, reversed the position. However, Yan managed to scramble back to his feet, avoiding any significant danger.

A powerful body kick forced Dvalishvili to retreat late in the third round, yet the 34-year-old Georgian remained resolute, grinning as he entered the fourth round. Dvalishvili then locked up a guillotine choke, nearly submitting Yan before the Russian escaped.

Yan’s persistent body shots began to wear down Dvalishvili, allowing Yan to dominate the fifth round behind his jab. He took Dvalishvili to the mat in the final seconds, securing the victory as all three judges scored the fight in his favour. Yan reclaimed the title he had lost to Aljamain Sterling in April 2022.

“I’m very happy to stand here with the championship belt … I’m very, very happy. I worked so hard. I prepared so hard for this moment. This is my life,” Yan expressed after receiving his new belt.

The co-main event concluded abruptly when 24-year-old Burmese-American Van caught a kick from defending champion Pantoja, who fell awkwardly while attempting to post on the floor, resulting in a broken arm and ending the fight in less than half a minute.

With Reuters Inputs