Yan promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Petr Yan was simply flawless at UFC 323. In the main event held this Saturday (6), in Las Vegas (USA), the Russian ignored his underdog status for the rematch against the feared Merab Dvalishvili and got his revenge, punishing him in the octagon. After 25 minutes of battle, 'No Mercy' overcame the Georgian by unanimous decision and became the new bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg).
Moreover, this was the second time Yan reached the top of the competitive category, proving his quality. Besides regaining the division title, the Russian avenged his rival with a touch of cruelty. In 2023, the athlete was dominated by Merab. Two years later, at UFC 323, 'No Mercy' prevented the Georgian's takedowns and hurt him in the striking exchanges so badly that he bled profusely.
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Yan is cold and calculating.
As usual, Merab started the fight electrifyingly. Increasingly comfortable in the stand-up game, the Georgian landed some good punches on Yan. A striking specialist, Yan responded in kind. Gradually, Yan got into the fight and rocked Merab with a powerful punch to the face. After the scare, Merab immediately grabbed Yan and took him to the cage on two occasions, scoring points in the clinch.
In the second round, Merab wasted no time and grabbed Yan, who defended against the takedown. Standing, the fighters exchanged blows with everything they had. Using sheer volume, Merab caused Yan discomfort. Surprisingly, Yan took Merab down. However, Merab reversed the position. In turn, Yan quickly got back to his feet. After an exchange of blows, Merab clung to Yan and took him down, but couldn't control him on the ground. In the final seconds of the round, Yan again rocked Merab in the exchange of blows and defended against the takedown.
In the third round, Merab landed a solid punch on Yan's face. Yan then executed a skillful takedown on Merab and, standing, landed a clean cross to his face. In response, Merab lifted Yan, carried him around the octagon, and slammed him to the ground. Merab persistently sought a takedown, but Yan defended. Standing, Merab attacked Yan, but also received blows from his rival. The fighters exchanged punches and kicks intensely. Moving forward, Merab posed a threat to Yan. Then, Yan landed a kick to Merab's midsection, which immediately affected him.
In the fourth round, Merab attempted a takedown, but Yan defended. Opportunistically, Merab applied a guillotine choke on Yan, who escaped. In the striking exchanges, Merab relied on volume of strikes to thwart Yan's attacks. Sharp on his feet, Yan continued to hurt Merab with his punches and kicks to the midsection. Merab didn't give up, but clearly came out worse on his feet.
In the fifth and final round, the fighters' pace remained frenetic. Yan used low kicks to undermine Merab's movement. In turn, Merab continued moving forward, but was hit more than he hit Yan. Focused, Yan landed clean punches and kicks to Merab's face and body. Merab attempted a takedown, but couldn't impose his game. On his feet, Yan continued to get the better of Merab, leaving him completely bloodied. Not satisfied, Yan even took Merab down in the final seconds of the fight.
Results UFC 323
MAIN CARD
Bantamweight title (up to 61,2 kg): Petr Yan defeated Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
Flyweight Championship (up to 57 kg): Joshua Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja by technical knockout (arm injury) at 26 seconds of round 1.
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Tatsuro Taira defeated Brandon Moreno by technical knockout (punches) at 2:24 of round 2.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Payton Talbott defeated Henry Cejudo by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Jan Blachowicz vs. Bogdan Guskov ended in a majority draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Manuel Torres defeated Grant Dawson by technical knockout (punches) at 2:25 of round 1.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Chris Duncan defeated Terrance McKinney by submission (Anaconda choke) at 2:30 of round 1.
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Maycee Barber defeated Karine Silva by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Fares Ziam defeated Nazim Sadykhov by technical knockout (elbows) at 4:59 of round 2.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Brunno Hulk defeated Marvin Vettori by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Jalin Turner defeated Edson Barboza by technical knockout (punches) at 2:24 of round 1.
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Iwo Baraniewski defeated Ibo Aslan by knockout (punch) at 1:29 of round 1.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Mansur Abdul-Malik defeated Antonio Trócoli by submission (standing guillotine choke) at 1:9 of round 1.
Featherweight (up to 65,8 kg): Mairon Santos defeated Muhammad Naimov by technical knockout (punches) at 21 seconds of round 3.
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