Israel Adesanya has shared his thoughts on who should challenge for the bantamweight title at UFC 323.
Petr Yan faces a daunting challenge this Saturday as he attempts to end Merab Dvalishvili’s dominance in the bantamweight division in Las Vegas. Yan and Dvalishvili will headline UFC 323, marking a rematch following their earlier meeting in 2023 at UFC Fight Night, where the Georgian fighter secured a dominating decision after five rounds.
Now better prepared and in peak condition, Yan is aiming for revenge at Saturday’s pay-per-view. Adesanya believes the former champion might need to take an unconventional approach to succeed.
Since winning the bantamweight belt by defeating Sean O’Malley in 2024, Dvalishvili has been nearly unstoppable. The upcoming rematch is set to be historic, as it is Dvalishvili’s fourth title defense within a year—a new record.
Yan hopes to upset the odds with a big win at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Adesanya, speaking on his YouTube channel, said, “Merab is tough to compete against. Petr might need to do something radical, like switching stances and aggressively shooting at Merab right from the start. Let’s think outside the box.”
Dvalishvili’s teammates see Yan having an advantage in striking, but Aljamain Sterling predicts an unexpected outcome. Noticing Dvalishvili’s improved striking, especially after hurting Cory Sandhagen in his last defense, Sterling expects Dvalishvili to finish the fight with a TKO, possibly in the third or fourth round. Sterling also praised Merab, calling him the bantamweight GOAT regardless of the fight’s result.
If Sterling’s prediction is correct, this would be Dvalishvili’s first knockout win since he defeated Marlon Moraes at UFC 266 in 2021.
Fan Take: This matchup is essential viewing for fight fans because it showcases the resilience and evolution of two top bantamweights. The outcome could shift the division’s hierarchy and inspire new tactics in high-stakes MMA bouts.
