Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is set to headline UFC 323 in December, marking his final fight of the year. This announcement comes as a remarkably quick turnaround – just 63 days – since his dominant title defense victory against Cory Sandhagen.
However, the Georgian star himself was completely unaware of this significant main event slot until he learned it live during an interview with veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani. Dvalishvili`s reaction was one of genuine shock and surprise.
“I did not know this news — I had no idea, I promise,” Dvalishvili exclaimed after realizing his headliner status. He further noted the UFC`s practice, stating, “They [the UFC] never guarantee that you [will fight this opponent].”
This highly anticipated main event will feature the Tbilisi grappling ace in a rematch against Russian star Petr Yan. Dvalishvili previously secured a decisive victory over Yan via decision back in 2023, and will now look to rekindle that rivalry on the sport`s biggest stage.
Chasing History: Four Title Defenses in a Year
Beyond the immediate challenge, Dvalishvili is aiming for a historic achievement at UFC 323: he intends to become the first fighter in promotional history to successfully defend his title four times within a single calendar year. This ambitious goal would solidify his place among the sport`s elite.
Not Slowing Down: Plans for a Quick 2025 Return
Despite the intense schedule of fighting for the second time in just over two months, Dvalishvili shows no signs of slowing down. He is already looking ahead, having identified a potential return to the octagon as early as March 2025, a mere 12 weeks after his December bout with Yan.
“I’m willing to fight also in March,” Dvalishvili confirmed. While considering future events, he added, “February will be in Australia, I don’t think they’re gonna give me this. I think March would be realistic.”
Emphasizing his deep-seated passion for the sport, Dvalishvili articulated his fighter`s mindset: “I`m not afraid to lose something, I’m a fighter. I know I’m not gonna win all of these fights, but listen, I love this, and like I said, when I have a fight, I’m more focused. I live a more healthy lifestyle and I wanna just keep improving.” His dedication to constant improvement and love for the fight game continue to drive his relentless pursuit of greatness.
