Fighter wrapping her hands before the fight
UFC

UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2: Preview, Odds & How to Watch

After a UFC 322 main event that went down to the referee’s scorecards, fans of mixed martial arts expect the next event to deliver, too. This time, the UFC bantamweight title is on the line, so it’s no average scrap. Current champ and one of UFC’s hottest fighters – Georgian Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili takes on former champ and current challenger Petr “No Mercy” Yan. It’s a highly anticipated matchup that should excite both loyal and newer fans.

The Georgian is riding a 14-win streak, but his opponent from Yekaterinburg is currently on a rebound arc, riding 3 solid wins. The first bout went to Dvalishvili. Let’s see how the rematch on Dec 6 may unfold. We have prepared an extensive betting & fight preview to help you make responsible picks. Let’s get into it!

 

Dvalishvili vs Yan 2: Fight Details

Date: Saturday, Dec 6 2025 (Main Card should start early morning, ~5 AM Sunday, Dec 7)

Time: The main event is expected to start around 03:00 GMT

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, USA

At stake: UFC’s Bantamweight Belt

Betting available at 7bet UK

Merab will try to defend his crown for the 4th straight time, while Yan wants revenge on the Georgian and to get back on top. Don’t underestimate either athlete, and find betting markets at 7bet. Please gamble responsibly and do research before placing wagers. 

 

UFC 323 – Dvalishvili vs Yan 2: Betting

Before diving into the fighters’ profiles and the tale of the tape, let’s cover betting odds. You can find UFC 323 – Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 betting odds at 7bet. Please also remember that other UFC events and undercard events for UFC 323 will be present. 

In this section, for your convenience, we’ll overview some of the most popular betting odds in UFC events and how the books view them right now. 

Remember that, by default, UFC odds on our platform are displayed in fractional format. Longer odds (e.g. 5/1) denote an underdog or an event that has a smaller implied likelihood. Conversely, shorter odds (e.g. 2/11) mean that this pick is viewed as highly likely or a favourite. However, these are only implied probabilities, not guarantees. 

Keep in mind that the odds are accurate as of writing this preview and could move before the fight. Regardless of numbers, you should always bet responsibly and within your means! 

 

Winner

Merab Dvalishvili Petr Yan
2/11 15/4

This is the outright or the most straightforward market. Bettors pick one of the two fighters to come out on top. Method of victory or fight length doesn’t matter here. It’s only the W that counts. 

As of now, Merab holds a significant advantage in the books. He is the early favourite to defend the belt. 

 

As the fight night draws closer, more markets will become available. We’ll introduce you to the most popular ones in short. When making your picks, please remember to manage your bankroll and to be aware of how odds work. Here are the most popular markets for UFC events like Dvalishvili vs Yan 2:

  • Round Total (Over/Under) – bet whether the fight takes longer or shorter than the designated threshold. When the combatants are more evenly matched, fights take longer and vice versa.
  • Will the Fight Go the Distance? – wager whether the fight will go down to the ref scorecards. 
  • Winning Method – your bet wins if you pick the method of victory correctly (e.g. KO, decision, submission). Sometimes this pick is combined with the fighter, meaning you have to pick the fighter & the method of victory together. Remember that draws are also possible. 
  • Live Betting – all of the same or many of the same picks, just available live with odds that change in real-time.
  • Double Chance – your bet wins if you successfully pick the winner & method of victory. 
  • Winner & Exact Rounds – a riskier pick with longer odds. You win if you correctly choose in which round the winner will emerge. 

 

Merab Dvalishvili – ‘The Machine’

Record: 21-4 (16 wins by decision); 14-win streak

The Georgian hasn’t lost an official bout since 2018, so he’s truly “The Machine”. The nickname fits, because Dvalishvili always displays relentlessness and nearly unmatched cardio – he just does not stop.

The current Bantamweight champ rose through the ranks gradually. After a couple of early stumbles in his UFC run, he seemingly flipped a switch in 2018 and beat Jose Aldo, Marlon Moraes and, of course, Petr Yan in their first head-to-head. Since capturing the Bantamweight crown in 2024, Merab has steamrolled past all 3 opponents:

  • Sean O’Malley – twice
  • Umar Nurmagomedov
  • Cory Sandhagen

His W in UFC 320 over Sandhagen was very impressive because he tied the record for most successful consecutive UFC Bantamweight title defences (3). A repeat victory over Yan would make him the record-holder.

In the octagon, Merab isn’t very flashy, winning most of his bouts by decision. He doesn’t have the deadliest strikes, but they are effective enough to set up for God-level grappling. Merab attempted an insane 49 takedowns on Yan in their first bout. 

The Georgian is the favourite for the rematch, and for good reason. If he can replicate the game plan from the first bout, he’ll drag the Russian into deep waters. His fans just need to hope that ‘The Machine’ doesn’t get complacent, but knowing Merab, that shouldn’t be an issue.

 

Merab Dvalishvili – Last 5 Fights

Opponent Date Result
Cory Sandhagen Oct 5, 2025 Win (UD)
Sean O’Malley (2) Jun 7, 2025 Win (Submission) 
Sean O’Malley (1) Sep 14, 2024 Win (UD) 
Henry Cejudo Feb 17, 2024 Win (UD) 
Petr Yan Mar 11, 2023 Win (UD) 

 

Petr Yan – No Mercy

Record: 19-5 (7 KOs); 3 wins in a row

Petr Yan is a former Bantamweight champ and a story of almost greatness. Known as a technical destroyer, Yan made a name for himself with precision punching and vicious counter-strikes. When he captured the belt in 2020 against Jose Aldo, the 135-pound division seemed to be his oyster. However, that didn’t prove to be the case. 

Since Yan’s capture of the title, his record is 4 wins and 4 losses. As the record suggests, it’s been a tale of two phases. First came a controversial DQ against Ajaman Sterling. Then the Russian bounced back to defeat Cory Sandhagen, only to face 3 consecutive setbacks. 

  • A split decision loss to Ajaman Sterling (UFC 273)
  • A split decision loss to Sean O’Malley (UFC 280)
  • A unanimous decision loss to Merab Dvalishvili (UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Dvalishvili)

However, true to his moniker, ‘No Mercy’ stormed back in 2024-25 with a string of 3 unanimous-decision victories. While his opponents weren’t exactly championship-calibre, they were no slouches, too. So, it’s looking up for Yan, but Merab is an entirely different beast. Even a 3-win streak doesn’t convince the books, so he’s looking like the underdog.

As for ‘No Mercy’, he’s been very versatile in the octagon. His strength is the Muay Thai background, mixed with boxing. The former champ made a name for himself with showcases of brilliant defence and efficient countering. However, that defence proved to have room for improvement in the last bout against Merab. The Georgian took Yan down often and showed the Russian’s vulnerabilities.

With the first bout in the books, ‘No Mercy’ knows what to expect. Whether that’s any help – is a question we’ll only know the answer to after the fight starts…

 

Petr Yan – Last 5 Fights

Opponent Date Result
Marcus McGhee Jul 26, 2025 Win (UD) 
Deiveson Figueiredo Nov 23, 2024 Win (UD) 
Song Yadong Mar 9, 2024 Win (UD) 
Merab Dvalishvili Mar 11, 2023 Loss (UD) 
Sean O’Malley Oct 22, 2022 Loss (SD)

 

Tale of the Tape

Attribute Merab Dvalishvili Petr Yan
Age (fight week) 34 (born Jan 10 1991) 32 (born Feb 11 1993)
Height 5’6” (168 cm) 5’7” (170 cm)
Reach 68” (173 cm) 67” (170 cm)
Professional Record 21-4 19-5
UFC Debut Dec 9, 2018 – SD Loss vs Frankie Saenz (UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega) Jun 23, 2018 – KO win vs Teruto Ishihara (UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Edwards)
Titles/Status UFC Bantamweight Champion,
#3 in UFC P4P 
Former UFC Bantamweight Champion, Current #3

 

Key Factors to Watch

If you plan on betting on UFC 323 – Dvalishvili vs Yan 2, you should know what to watch out for. This info can help you make smarter picks. 

 

Can Petr Flip the Script?

The best hope for Yan is to start strong and try to hurt Merab early. If he can land anything significant in the first two (say a big uppercut or knee), the Russian will have a chance. However, we’ve rarely seen Merab in any real trouble, so if he dictates the terms and takes things to the ground, the result will be the same as the first time out. 

 

Merab’s Takedown Train

Fans and experts agree – Dvalishvili’s pressure is like a noose around the opponent’s neck that tightens gradually and inexorably. Even if Yan stuffs the first 10 attempts at a takedown, Merab will try for the 15th, 20th, 30th, 40th time and so on. That kind of grind is unfavourable for a striker like Yan, so he has to be in the best shape of his life to steal the belt back. 

 

How to Watch UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 in the UK?

If you’re from the UK and want to watch live, TNT Sports has a PPV service for this event. Also, you can tune in to UFC Fight Pass. It’s the final PPV card of the year!

 

FAQ

 

How did the First Bout Between Yan and Dvalishvili Play Out?

In the first bout, ‘The Machine’ dominated through relentless wrestling. Dvalishvili attempted record takedowns, not allowing the Russian to settle. While Yan survived to the final bell, it was a clear UD victory for Merab.

 

How Much Will the Fighters Make From This Fight?/h3>
Exact purses for UFC 323 aren’t officially disclosed. However, recent reports on Merab’s pay show he made around US$500,000 at UFC 311. Estimates suggest that Yan could be guaranteed somewhere around $250,000-300,000. Plus, both fighters get a share of PPV sales. 

Betting is only available to participants above 18 years. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org