UFC 323 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday the 6th of December (early hours of Sunday in South Africa), featuring two title fights headlined by a bantamweight championship between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan. We’ll take a closer look at the Main Event as well as two additional fights on the Main Card from a betting perspective.
Click here to bet on the full fight card.
MERAB DVALISHVILI vs PETR YAN 2
Bantamweight – Main Event – Title Fight
Merab Dvalishvili, who holds a professional record of 14 wins and 2 defeats, has established himself as one of the most consistent bantamweights in UFC history. Since joining the promotion in 2017, the Georgian champion has gone on a remarkable run, collecting victories over elite contenders such as Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, Umar Nurmagomedov and Sean O’Malley.
Known for his suffocating pace and high volume wrestling, Dvalishvili enters this weekend riding a 14-fight winning streak, with his latest outing coming in October where he beat Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision at UFC 320 during his third title defence of the year.
Petr Yan brings an exceptional resume into this rematch with a professional record of 11 wins and 4 losses. The Russian striker has competed against top opposition for several years, earning notable victories over Cory Sandhagen, José Aldo and Urijah Faber along the way.
Yan has rediscovered form with consecutive wins over Song Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo and most recently Marcus McGhee where he won by decision in July. After slipping a decision to Dvalishvili in 2023, Yan looks to outclass him this weekend.
BETTING – click here to bet
Dvalishvili 1.25
Yan 4.25
PREDICTION:
Yan’s technical striking makes him a constant danger on the feet, but Dvalishvili’s pace and top control are likely to dictate the fight over five rounds. I am expecting the champion to neutralise Yan’s offence and grind out another decision victory.
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ALEXANDRE PANTOJA vs JOSHUA VAN
Flyweight – Title Fight
Alexandre Pantoja enters this matchup with a UFC record of 14 wins and 3 losses, having been one of the most dominant champions in the flyweight division. The Brazilian’s aggressive style and dangerous grappling have formed the backbone of all five of his successful title fights and it is important to note these have all been back-to-back since he took the belt in 2023.
His most recent appearance came in May when he beat Kai Kara-France by submission in the 2nd Round.
Joshua Van, carrying an impressive 8-1 professional tally under the organisation, has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in the division. Representing Myanmar, Van brings speed and sharp combinations that have allowed him to climb the rankings at a rapid pace.
He last competed in June where he defeated Brandon Royval by decision after a three round war, earning his first shot at UFC gold.
BETTING – click here to bet
Pantoja 1.44
Van 2.90
PREDICTION:
This contest puts Pantoja’s championship experience and grappling pedigree against Van’s youth, power and creativity. I believe Van will have early success, but Pantoja’s pressure and superior grappling control should see him secure a late submission victory.
BRANDON MORENO vs TATSURO TAIRA
Flyweight – Main Card Bout
Brandon Moreno holds a UFC record of 10 wins, 5 losses and 2 draws, making him one of the most respected former champions in the division. Known for his volume striking and grit, the Mexican star continues to remain in the title mix although he made his debut nearly a decade ago.
Moreno’s latest appearance came in March where he beat Steve Erceg by decision after five rounds.
Tatsuro Taira, with a professional record of 7 wins and just 1 defeat under the UFC, is one of Japan’s most exciting rising prospects. His slick jiu-jitsu and developing striking have made him a dangerous contender.
Taira last fought in June where he earned a dominant submission victory over HyunSung Park in the 2nd Round to get back in the winning column following his first UFC defeat to Royval last year.
BETTING – click here to bet
Moreno 2.05
Taira 1.80
PREDICTION:
Moreno’s pace and experience will play a key role early but Taira’s grappling transitions and improved timing may allow him to take over as the fight progresses. I believe Taira finds an opening on the mat and secures a submission in the third round.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Dvalishvili vs Yan 2
Dvalishvili by decision at 1.43 (a bit short for a straight bet so I will be adding it into multiples)
Pantoja vs Van
Pantoja by submission at 2.50
Moreno vs Taira
Taira by submission at 6.75
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
