UFC 323 Breakdown: What Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan Each Must To Do Win

UFC 323 Breakdown: What Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan Each Must To Do Win

Stakes & Backstory Leading Up To UFC 323

At UFC 323 the world watches to see if Dvalishvili can do something history has never seen, defend a UFC title four times in one calendar year. Yan returns looking to avenge his loss, reestablish himself as a force in the UFC bantamweight division, and claim his throne.

Their first fight ended in a decisive win for The Machine with a commanding display of wrestling, pressure, and control. This rematch will test whether Yan has learned from that defeat and whether Dvalishvili can keep grinding under the bright lights again.

So what must each man do to get the W?

What Merab Dvalishvili Must Do to Win

Lean into nonstop pressure and wrestling dominance:

Dvalishvili’s best path remains grinding the pace, mixing takedowns with top control and forcing Yan into uncomfortable territory. His success depends on turning this fight into a war of attrition. Solid wrestling and conditioning are key.

Avoid striking brawls, don’t get drawn into heavy exchanges:

Yan still carries dangerous hands and a sharp sense for counters. Dvalishvili should avoid trading bombs. Instead he needs to use movement, level changes, and clinch entries to avoid being knocked out or stunned.

Maintain octagon control and mental pace making this a five round fight on his terms:

If Dvalishvili controls the inside distance, timing, and where the fight happens (cage, mat, clinch) while keeping pressure high. He must force Yan to fight reactive, tired, and behind.

Stick to fundamentals with grappling control, cardio, fight IQ:

A well rounded MMA skill set with wrestling defense, ground control, clinch work, and stellar cardio remains Dvalishvili’s foundation. Any slip in fundamentals gives Yan an opening.

What Petr Yan Must Do to Win

Defend takedowns like his life depends on it:

Yan must intelligently sprawl, use lateral movement, and avoid letting Dvalishvili dictate the fight’s geography. Reducing the number of takedowns he allows will be the game changer. Takedown defense, movement, and avoiding repeated wrestling gradients could swing the fight.

Use striking intelligently with volume, body shots, and counters:

If Yan can keep the fight on the feet, use his striking precision and variety (body shots, head kicks, counters), he can accumulate damage and perhaps discourage Dvalishvili’s grappling advances. He should also capitalize on moments when the champion drops levels or lunges for takedowns.

Be smart about pacing to avoid burnout, evade pressure, pick his moments:

Fighting Dvalishvili means dealing with constant pressure and pace. Yan needs to conserve energy, manage outside distance, and strike when Dvalishvili fatigues. A well timed striking burst or defensive scramble could sway rounds.

Stay sharp mentally and don’t panic under pressure, remain composed:

Under the storm of Dvalishvili’s pressure, many fighters fold. Yan needs mental resilience to defend takedowns calmly, weather scrambles, and avoid desperation. A clear mind and steady composure can turn moments into opportunities.

Who Has the Edge

Based on everything we know: Dvalishvili enters the fight as the clear favorite. His strengths on relentless pressure, wrestling, cardio, fight-IQ are what suit the championship rounds. His current win over Yan and consistency this year gives him momentum few champions carry.

Yan wins if he changes the fight’s complexion and has studied his loss to Merab well. He needs to defend takedowns with body shots and knees, force stand up exchanges by staying on the outside, strike smart, and avoid the grind. His path to victory is narrower but not impossible especially if he fights with urgency and sharp game planning.

FIGHT.TV Breaks It Down!

At UFC 323 this is more than a rematch. This is era defining. Dvalishvili can cement his name among the all time greats if he defends the belt a fourth time in one year. Yan enters rematch hungry, smarter, and battle tested.

If Dvalishvili enforces pace and control it will be another dominant performance. If Yan forces backpedaling striking and takedown defense with body shots or knees to the head, he might rewrite the story.

This fight is a chess match.

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By Austin Jones — CMO & Lead Editor at FIGHT.TV

Austin Jones is a business strategist and combat sports expert. As Chief Marketing Officer and Lead Editor at FIGHT.TV, he covers everything from behind the scenes controversies to dynamic industry breakdowns of promotions, to the satirical side of fight culture. He is also the founder of Business Goals Group LLC, a marketing and consulting powerhouse that provides businesses with expert guidance.