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December 6, 2025 | Posted by Robert Winfree
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MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
(c) Merab Dvalishvili (135 lbs.) vs. #3 Petr Yan (135 lbs.) – for bantamweight title
(c) Alexandre Pantoja (125 lbs.) vs. #1 Joshua Van (124.5 lbs.) – for flyweight title
#2 Brandon Moreno (125 lbs.) vs. #5 Tatsuro Taira (126 lbs.)
#10 Henry Cejudo (136 lbs.) vs. Payton Talbott (136 lbs.)
#5 Jan Blachowicz (206 lbs.) vs. #11 Bogdan Guskov (206 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+/Disney+/FX, 8 p.m. ET)
#13 Grant Dawson (156 lbs.) vs. Manuel Torres (156 lbs.)
Terrance McKinney (156 lbs.) vs. Chris Duncan (156 lbs.)
#5 Maycee Barber (125.5 lbs.) vs. #9 Karine Silva (125.5 lbs.)
Nazim Sadykhov (155.5 lbs.) vs. Fares Ziam (156 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+/Disney+/FX, 6 p.m. ET)
#14 Marvin Vettori (186 lbs.) vs. Brunno Ferreira (189 lbs.)*
Edson Barboza (155.5 lbs.) vs. Jalin Turner (155 lbs.)
Iwo Baraniewski (206 lbs.) vs. Ibo Aslan (205.5 lbs.)
Mansur Abdul-Malik (185.5 lbs.) vs. Antonio Trocoli (186 lbs.)
Muhammad Naimov (146 lbs.) vs. Mairon Santos (147.5 lbs.)*

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 323, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host. Well we’ve made it to the final UFC PPV, possibly ever since they’re moving away from PPV under the Paramount deal next year. So this really does mark the end of an era in many ways, and the UFC brought a pretty solid overall card for it. In the main event bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili looks to get four title defenses in a calendar year, a brand new feat as no one’s done that before. His opponent will be former champion Petr Yan, Dvalishvili beat Yan a few years back but Yan hasn’t lost since then. The co-main event sees the flyweight belt on the line as Alexandre Pantoja tries to defend against the surging Joshua Van. Van has been insanely busy, he’s only 25 and made his professional MMA debut in 2021 but is already fighting for the belt against the second best flyweight champion of all time. Beyond that we’ve got Brandon Moreno vs. Tatsuro Taira in a relevant flyweight fight, Henry Cejudo’s last fight apparently, and Jan Blachowicz trying to get back on track. On the prelims Terrance McKinney vs. Chris Duncan stands out, as does Nazim Sadykhov vs. Fares Ziam. On the early prelims Edson Barboza is still at it after over 15 years in the UFC. It’s not without flaws as a card goes but all in all it’s pretty good. Now let’s send the era of PPVs, and spending way too much money on this stuff, out with a bang.

UFC 323 comes to the world from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. We’ve got the usual PPV group of Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier, and Joe Rogan on commentary. Bruce Buffer will handle the announcing while Megan Olivi does the roving reporter bit. We are in the usual 30 foot cage and Nevada has adopted the newer rules for MMA, though in a lot of terms they seem to just make it up as they go.

Man that place looks full on empty for the first fight.

Muhammad Naimov has gone 5-1 in the UFC and is currently on a two fight winning streak, he’s looking for another three fight set of wins to begin the transition from prospect towards more legitimate contender. Mairon Santos is on a four fight winning streak and is 3-0 in the UFC, he did miss weight for this fight though and now needs a win to help smooth things over after that gaff. The odds like Santos at -240 to a +195 comeback on Naimov.

Featherweight Bout: Muhammad Naimov (13-3, 146 lbs.) vs. Mairon Santos (16-1, 147.5 lbs.)*

ROUND ONE: Naimov is two inches taller while Santos has two inches of reach advantage plus Santos missed weight. Both men probe with some kicks early. Calf kick from Santos. Naimov starts playing with stance switches. Santos misses a head kick. Bit of a body kick from Naimov. Santos counters a calf kick with a right hand that wobbles Naimov for a second but he recovers pretty quickly. Body kick from Naimov. Naimov blocks a high kick. Santos avoids a hook kick. They clinch up but banged heads doing so and the ref takes away the clinch. It’s Herzog reffing, oh and he does restart them in the clinch once they see Santos isn’t cut. Naimov has things pushed into the fence and fires a few knees. They jockey for position along the fence then break with a right hand from Naimov. Santos blocks a wheel kick. Naimov misses a few kicks, then Santos misses a few as well to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos

ROUND TWO: They tie up pretty quickly and Santos winds up on the back standing. Naimov breaks his grip and turns into Santos then pushes him into the cage. A few bits of dirty boxing from Naimov but nothing serious from either guy yet. Eventually Santos is able to spin free and they reset. Bit of a right hand from Naimov. Calf kick from Santos. Bit of a one two from Naimov. Santos avoids a single leg then lands an uppercut. Another calf kick from Santos. They tie up again, Naimov lands a couple of short punches then Santos lands a couple of knees as they break. Jab from Santos then a right to the body. Bit of a hook kick from Naimov. Santos with a knee after fighting off a takedown. Naimov misses a spinning back kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos, 20-18 Santos overall

ROUND THREE: Naimov fires a right hand but Santos lands a calf kick then a one two that floors Naimov and we’re done here.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mairon Santos via KO, punches, at :21 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Santos for his work. Mic time for Santos, he was looking for the right hand but also knew he couldn’t be reckless and then found his opening. He apologizes for missing weight but does still plan on staying at featherweight.

Mansur Abdul-Malik has gone 2-0-1 in the UFC, he’s coming off of that draw though and he’s looking to remain undefeated with another win to close out 2025. Antonio Trocoli has gone 0-2 in the UFC and hasn’t gotten a win since 2021, he badly needs to break that streak here if he wants to remain on the UFC roster. Abdul-Malik is the biggest favorite on the card at -1450 to Trocoli’s +750 comeback.

Middleweight Bout: Mansur Abdul-Malik (8-0-1, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Antonio Trocoli (12-5 1 NC, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Trocoli is three inches taller but the reach is identical, Abdul-Malik is also 7 years younger. Both men probe with kicks but Abdul-Malik is pressing forward. Takedown from Abdul-Malik into half guard. Torcoli kicks Abdul-Malik off but Abdul-Malik gets back on top and grabs a standing guillotine which gets a quick tap from Trocoli.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mansur Abdul-Malik via Submission, standing guillotine choke, at 1:09 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Abdul-Malik for his work. Mic time for Abdul-Malik, he sends love to his family then puts over his team for all of their work with him. He says he feels no weight on his shoulders right now and just loves to be able to do this.

Ibo Aslan has gone 2-2 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight losing streak and would really like get a win this year to enter 2026 on a positive note. Iwo Baraniewski is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and he’ll be looking to make the most of his only chance at a first impression. Baraniewski is the -200 favorite while Aslan’s comeback sits at +165.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Iwo Baraniewski (6-0, 206 lbs.) vs. Ibo Aslan (14-3, 205.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Aslan is two and a half inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Both men miss a few punches. Baraniewski with a right to the body. Calf kicks are traded. Aslan gets close and they trade punches, Baraniewski is hurt but still swinging back and he drops Aslan. Aslan fights up on a single leg then Baraniewski lands a knee. Rights from Aslan, this is just a bar fight. They break and both men are hurt and tired. Right hand from Baraniewski drops Aslan and a few more punches on the mat will get the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Iwo Baraniewski via KO, punches, at 1:29 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Baraniewski for his work. Mic time for Baraniewski, he promised a good fight and feels he delivered. He talks us through the finish and puts over Aslan as a hard puncher. To close he speaks some Polish that doesn’t get translated.

Edson Barboza has had remarkable longevity in the UFC, his promotional debut coming over 15 years ago in November of 2010. Barboza has gone just 2-4 in his last six fights and is on a two fight losing streak, he’s got to know the end is pretty close at this point but is still looking for another win or two before hanging up the gloves. Jalin Turner has gone just 1-4 in his last five fights and is also on a two fight losing streak, Turner briefly retired back in March but like most MMA retirements it didn’t stick so now he’s back. This would be arguably the most recognizable name in Turner’s win column if he can get his hand raised here. The odds really like Turner at -500 to Barboza’s +380.

Lightweight Bout: Edson Barboza (24-13, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Jalin Turner (14-9, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Turner is four inches taller with two inches of reach advantage, he’s also 9 years younger. Turner opens southpaw and they trade some leg kicks. Some jabs from Turner. Barboza with a right hand then an inside leg kick. A couple body blows from Barboza then a left hook. Turner with a counter couple of punches to drop Barboza, he gets on top in half guard. Barboza got cut on the top of the head during their exchanges. Sweep attempt from Barboza, he’s up and they separate. Body kicks are traded. Turner digs a left to the body then unloads along the fence. Barboza is holding on throwing back but he’s about done. Body kick from Turner. Turner with another combination and Barboza finally drops to prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jalin Turner via TKO, punches, at 2:24 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Turner for his work. Mic time for Turner, he thanks God and mentions he almost gave up but he overcame and does the usual inspirational boilerplate. He admits to getting hit hard but never lost his presence in the fight and then thanks God again.

Marvin Vettori fought for the middleweight title back in 2021 but is currently on a three fight losing streak and really needs a win here to defend his ranking and prove he’s still got value for the promotion. Brunno Ferreira has gone 5-2 in the UFC and he’s on a two fight winning streak, a win here could push Ferreira into the rankings and set him up for a real push next year. Very close one here, -120 on Vettori to an even +100 for Ferreira.

Middleweight Bout: #14 Marvin Vettori (19-8-1, 186 lbs.) vs. Brunno Ferreira (14-2, 189 lbs.)*

ROUND ONE: Vettori has two inches of height and reach advantage, plus Ferreira missed weight. Both men open southpaw but Ferreira does a bit of stance switching. They both show some low kicks, Vettori lands a calf kick. Bit of a one two from Vettori. Ferreira lands a lunging left hand. Vettori pushes into a clinch but Ferreira disengages pretty quickly. Another calf kick from Vettori. Ferreira falls short with some punches. Bit of a left from Ferreira. Vettori avoids some punches then lands a calf kick. Inside calf kick from Ferreira. Vettori punches in close but can’t secure a clinch. Ferreira falls a little short with punches again. Vettori lands a left hand. Ferreira slips throwing a high kick but gets up quickly. Glancing left from Vettori. Both men land punches in the pocket. Ferreira misses another high kick then Vettori lands a calf kick. Ferreira with a single leg but Vettori scrambles up right away. Jab from Ferreira. Vettori with a couple of counter punches. A right hand from Vettori closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ferreira but pretty close

ROUND TWO: Vettori avoids a few punches. Ferreira avoids a single leg then they both land some punches in the pocket. Both men fire body kicks then Vettori lands a couple of punches. Vettori is starting to double up his jab this round and it’s letting his left hand start to become a more viable weapon. Ferreira blocks a high kick. Calf kick from Vettori, that might have bothered the right leg of Ferreira. Short couple of punches from Vettori land. One two from Ferreira. Bit of a left hand from Ferreira. Jab from Vettori. Vettori with a calf kick then a right hook, Ferreira lands a right hand of his own. Both men land punches in the pocket. Ferreira tries a clinch but can’t keep it. Counter right hand from Vettori. Ferreira lands a right hook then Vettori fights off a knee tap. They circle away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vettori but another close one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Ferreira tries a takedown, Vettori counters and gets on top in half guard as Ferreira tries a guillotine. Vettori is on the safe side and gets his head free then lands punches. Ferreira scrambles up and eats a right hand. Vettori is pressuring forward now, Ferreira might be fading a bit. Ferreira reaches for a clinch, Vettori then pushes him into the fence. Vettori looks for a double leg and hits it again into half guard. Ferreira scrambles pretty quickly but eats a knee on the way. One two from Vettori. Another counter one two from Vettori. Vettori with an uppercut. Ferreira lands a right hook. A few punches land for Vettori. Ferreira tries a single leg, Vettori defends. Ferreira lands a left hand. Right hand from Ferreira. They trade lefts in close. Vettori avoids a spinning elbow. Vettori avoids a left hand then counters. Ferreira lands a left hand. Vettori with a left hand, Ferreira is hurt. Vettori looks to pressure but he’s got less than a minute to get a finish. Both men land right hands. Uppercut from Ferreira. One two from Vettori. Both men trade again to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vettori but Ferreira could have taken it back at the end, 29-28 Vettori overall but I feel like Ferreira is going to take it

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brunno Ferreira via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Ferreira and the translator get mic time, he plays with the crowd a bit then thanks God and says he’s been asking for this fight for a while and he’s happy to have finally gotten it. He puts over Vettori’s chin then says he’s prepared for everything. Well apparently except the scale.

Fares Ziam is on a five fight winning streak and if he can get that to six here then he’ll be well set up to take on bigger names in the coming year. Nazim Sadykhov is on a 12 fight unbeaten streak including being 4-0-1 in the UFC, he’s likewise trying to use a win here to set up a big 2026 campaign. The line moved a lot on this one but closed at -200 on Ziam while that +165 on Sadykhov has to tempt some bettors out there.

Lightweight Bout: Nazim Sadykhov (17-4, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Fares Ziam (11-1-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ziam is three inches taller with a significant six inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Sadykhov. Ziam with a body kick and Sadykhov pushes into a clinch. They jockey for position, Ziam’s leverage is impressive as he’s using it well. Sadykhov tries a trip, Ziam blocks it and keeps firing some knees to the leg and body. Bit of a single leg from Ziam but Sadykhov never really goes down so they’re back into a clinch. Ziam keeps Sadykhov on the fence and fires a few more knees. Ziam with a single leg, then he gets on top in butterfly guard. Sadykhov scrambles, Ziam gets to a ride position and Sadykhov starts looking to wall walk. Ziam gets the back now with one hook in then starts looking for a choke. Both hooks now for Ziam. Ziam goes to a body triangle and he keeps throwing some short blows to try and open up the choke. Face crank from Ziam, it wont get a tap but it’s very unpleasant. Some elbows from Ziam land and he’ll end the round still on the back.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ziam

ROUND TWO: Sadykhov falls short with punches. Ziam fires a high kick, that’s blocked. Right hand from Ziam lands. A stiff jab from Ziam bothers Sadykhov for a second. Sadykhov blocks an uppercut. Inside leg kick from Ziam. Bit of a jab from Ziam then a front kick. Ziam with a jab. Sadykhov tries to kick but eats a counter right. Ziam with a leg kick. Sadykhov has started playing with stance switches but is still mostly southpaw. Sadykhov misses a wheel kick. One two from Ziam, they tie up and Sadykhov tries a takedown but Ziam is able to block it and they reset. Solid right hand from Ziam then a clinch on the fence. Sadykhov is able to put Ziam on the fence. Ziam threatens a trip and spins Sadykhov to the cage. High crotch lift and carry from Ziam, Sadykhov quickly scoots and regains his feet but he can’t get away from Ziam’s grip. Harai goshi version from Ziam and he’s on top in guard now. Sadykhov moves to wall walk again, Ziam gets to the ride and grabs a no hook choke that forces Sadykhov to drop down to avoid it. Ziam gets to the ride again, one hook in, and lands a couple of hard clubbing elbows that stun Sadykhov then a flurry will get the last second stoppage win for Ziam.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Fares Ziam via TKO, elbows and punches, at 4:59 of Round 2

Heck of a win for Ziam who gets an interview. Ziam says he was stressed because this was a big fight but he’s very happy with the win. He talks us through the finish then puts over his team for all of their work. To close he asks for a bonus, which historically doesn’t go well.

Maycee Barber is on a six fight winning streak though a couple of those were decisions that really shouldn’t have gone her way, she’s also been out of action since March of 2024 and if she wants to remain relevant in the title orbit she needs a win here. Karine Silva has gone 5-1 in the UFC most recently besting Dione Barbosa, she’s looking for her highest profile win to date here and to set herself up for more high profile fights next year. Barber is the -205 favorite to Silva’s +170.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #5 Maycee Barber (14-2, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #9 Karine Silva (19-5, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Silva has two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Barber. Inside leg kick from Silva. Both women probe with some more punches. Some stance switches from Barber now. Calf kick from Silva. Inside calf kick from Silva. Barber keeps having punches blocked. Calf kick from Barber then Silva lands a right hand. Silva blocks a head kick then lands a right hand and gets the back standing. Silva drags things down and jumps to the back, only one hook though and Barber is about to get her to lose position and wind up on bottom. Quick adjustment from Silva and she’s got both hooks in. Body triangle now for Silva. Again Barber is working to to off balance Silva so she’ll fall over but Silva keeps adjusting to keep the back. Silva starts fishing for a choke while Barber works to defend. Choke attack from Silva, she loses the bite on the choke though and has to restart the attack. Silva grabs an arm triangle as she loses position but she can’t keep it and Barber winds up on top. Barber fires strikes from top position as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva but a close one

ROUND TWO: Body kick from Silva. Inside leg kick from Silva. Barber with an inside leg kick then Silva lands a body kick. Barber pushes for a takedown against the fence, Silva defends though. Silva jumps for a guillotine, she then gets her feet back on the ground but is holding the front headlock. Barber gets her head free then slips to the back and spins Silva down into leg drag. Silva rolls free but lands an illegal up kick that hurts Barber so we’ve got a time out. The doctor is in to check on Barber but she can continue so we’re back to fighting after about 1:30, no point of course. Quick takedown from Barber back into a ride position. Barber with a few lefts. Elbows now from Barber, Silva tries to base up and throw Barber by but Barber is riding well. Rights from Barber land and a few elbows as well. Barber goes for a Banana Split but can’t get the legs right then looks for mount but Silva blocks it. Silva’s got kind of guard back and fires elbows. Triangle attack from Silva but there’s not nearly enough time, she rolls to mount with it though and drops her own elbows to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barber, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both women probe with leg kicks again. Silva blocks a level change. Barber has a high kick blocked. Bit of a front kick from Barber. Silva is keeping up the forward pressure so far. They both land power hand punches. Silva tries a takedown, that hits the fence but she finishes the double leg into full guard. Both women throw some elbows on the mat then they get into 50/50 position. Silva is thinking about a leg lock but Barber gets her leg out of danger. Barber is able to sit up and come up on top in full guard. Silva goes to rubber guard then technically has a Dead Orchard going. Yeah that’s a Dead Orchard attack from Silva but she loses the triangle lock. Silva is still working a high guard, Barber stands free eventually and they trade kicks while Barber looks to kill some time. Silva wrestles up into a clinch and they hit the fence. Takedown from Barber just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barber, 29-28 Barber overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Maycee Barber via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

Mic time for Barber, she feels she’s blessed and the journey to get back here and win was a tough one. They talk about the foul then expresses more gratitude to close.

Terrance McKinney has been a bit up and down going 7-4 in the UFC but the man has also only seen a third round once in his entire career. McKinney is looking to get to three wins in a row here and maybe get a step up in class next year. Chris Duncan has gone 5-1 in the UFC and is on a three fight winning streak, he’s hoping a win here sets him up to make the jump from prospect to contender next year. The odds also moved a lot on this one but settled at -110 for a pick ’em.

Lightweight Bout: Terrance McKinney (17-7, 156 lbs.) vs. Chris Duncan (14-2, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while McKinney has two inches of reach advantage. Quick knee from McKinney then a high kick, he gets Duncan to the fence and they both unload punches for a bit. Knee to the body from McKinney. Duncan is hurt, he tries for a takedown but McKinney stays upright against the fence. Adjustment from Duncan and he gets McKinney down, McKinney wall walks and lands elbows and knees before they break. Right hand from Duncan. McKinney with some punches of his own. Body kick from Duncan then they trade punches again. McKinney with knees in a double collar tie. Duncan drops McKinney against the fence with an elbow, Duncan gets to the ride and fires punches. McKinney looks to wall walk and he’s up but Duncan keeps punching him from the back. McKinney sinks down, McKinney stands again but gets pushed down. Anaconda choke from Duncan and that’ll get the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chris Duncan via Submission, anaconda choke, at 2:30 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Duncan for his work. Mic time for Duncan after that wildness, he says he was never out of it in the fight and knew McKinney would come out of the gate hard and puts him over. He talks us through the finish then says he’d like to be on Rogan’s podcast.

Grant Dawson has gone 11-1-1 in the UFC and is currently on a three fight winning streak, Dawson is hoping to defend his ranking here then get a shot at fighting those ranked above him next. Manuel Torres has gone 4-1 in the UFC and most recently beat Drew Dober, he’s looking to crash into the rankings with a win. Dawson is the favorite at -270 to a +220 comeback on Torres.

Lightweight Bout: #13 Grant Dawson (23-2-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Manuel Torres (16-3, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Torres has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Torres stalks forward early and Dawson misses a left hand. Southpaw for Torres who seems to be in pure stalking mode. Dawson tries a single leg but Torres defends, that’s a bad omen for Dawson as he can’t win a striking battle with Torres. Torres lands a left hand. Dawson with a body kick. Torres lands a body kick of his own. Both men keep sniping with kicks. Left to the body from Torres. Dawson reaches for a takedown but can’t find it. Front kick from Dawson. Counter punches from Torres floor Dawson and that’ll prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Manuel Torres via TKO, punches, at 2:25 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Torres for his work. Mic time for Torres and the translator, he is just happy and thanks a lot of people and plays with the crowd. He talks us through the finish to close.

That’s it for the prelims, onto PPV for the last time.

Jan Blachowicz is a former light heavyweight champion but at this point he’s 42 years old, on a three fight winless streak including a draw in a vacant title fight in 2022 and hasn’t won since Aleksandar Rakic suffered a knee injury in their fight back in 2022. Blachowicz is trying to prove he’s still an upper level light heavyweight and hold off talk of being over the hill. Bogdan Guskov has gone 4-1 in the UFC and is on a four fight winning streak, he’s getting a step up in terms of name value and ranking here but a win would set him up nicely next year given the fairly dire situation in this division. This one closed as a -110 pick ’em.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #5 Jan Blachowicz (29-11-1, 206 lbs.) vs. #11 Bogdan Guskov (18-3, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Guskov is an inch taller while Blachowicz has two inches of reach advantage, Blachowicz is also 9 years older. Both men probe with the jab to start. Calf kick from Blachowicz. Another calf kick from Blachowicz. Guskov keeps working his lead hand while circling. Blachowicz keeps showing the calf kick but neither man is really pulling the trigger yet. Calf kick from Blachowicz, Guskov returns that one though. Blachowicz jabs the body then avoids an overhand right. Left hand from Guskov lands. Stiff jab from Blachowicz. Another jab from Blachowicz. Calf kick from Blachowicz. One two from Blachowicz then a calf kick. Bit of a flurry from Guskov. Glancing body kick from Blachowicz to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Blachowicz

ROUND TWO: Both men with jabs to start the round then Blachowicz lands a calf kick. Another jab from Blachowicz then a calf kick, he’s starting to build then Guskov floors him with a right hand. Guskov gets on top and looks for ground and pound but Blachowicz closes his guard and looks to recover. Elbow from Guskov, he keeps looking to attack and passes to half guard. Blachowicz thinks about a heel hook attack, Guskov keeps punching him though. Heel hook attack from Blachowicz, not enough control of the upper leg though and Guskov moves through it back into full guard. Another elbow from Guskov, he’s staying pretty diligent with his offense. Blachowicz is cut around the left eyebrow now. Guskov moves to half guard and drops another elbow. Again some punches and elbows from Guskov land. Guskov drops a couple more elbows before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Guskov but could go 10-8, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Blachowicz gets back to forward pressure and both men work jabs. Calf kick from Blachowicz then a body jab. Guskov lands a right hand. Bit of a right from Guskov. Both men land punches. Guskov lands a right hand, his speed is becoming a problem for Blachowicz. Blachowicz with a calf kick. Another calf kick from Blachowicz. Guskov lands a couple of punches. Right hand from Guskov. Blachowicz lands a left hook then a right hand. Guskov thinks he got poked but the ref says fight on. Blachowicz pressures forward and lands a couple more punches. Right hand form Blachowicz. Counter right from Guskov, he seems recovered now. Bit of a body kick from Blachowicz. Glancing left from Blachowicz then he misses a right hand. Jab from Blachowicz. Guskov lands a right. Both men with punches in close. Front kick from Blachowicz. Left to the body from Blachowicz then a right hand kind of drops Guskov. Blachowicz flurries and Guskov wall walks just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Blachowicz, 29-28 Blachowicz overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – DRAW, majority, (29-28 Blachowicz, 28-28 x2)

No issues with that, a 10-8 second was perfectly acceptable scoring and frankly was probably more accurate.

Henry Cejudo is a former two weight world champion and Olympic gold medalist, he’s also not won a fight since 2020 but still has a ranking for some unknown reason. Cejudo has said he’s retiring again here, he retired after the Cruz fight in 2020, and would doubtless like to go out with a win. Payton Talbott has gone 4-1 in the UFC and most recently got a decision win over Felipe Lima, he’s looking for his highest profile win to date as he takes on the former double champion in Cejudo. Talbott is a notable favorite at -250 while +205 for Cejudo might be a decent little value bet.

Bantamweight Bout: #10 Henry Cejudo (16-5, 136 lbs.) vs. Payton Talbott (10-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Talbott is a significant six inches taller with six and a half inches of reach advantage, he’s also 11 years younger. Quick calf kick from Cejudo, then another one. Another calf kick from Cejudo. Talbott starts switching stances and lands a one two. Calf kick from Talbott, the size difference is very noticeable. Bit of a left hook from Cejudo in close. Another calf kick from Cejudo. Inside leg kick from Cejudo then Talbott lands a left hand. Another calf kick from Cejudo. Single leg from Cejudo but Talbott is able to get his leg back and separate. Cejudo pushes into a clinch, Talbott with a few knees before they break. Both men with rights. Left hand from Talbott but he’s mostly southpaw now and isn’t quite as comfortable there. Right hand from Cejudo off balances Talbott but he gets up right away. Talbott lands a right. Both men with punches in close. They tie up and Talbott hits an inside trip to get on top in full guard. Some short elbows from Talbott. Cejudo throws elbows from his back but he’s not scrambling up yet. Cejudo does wall walk into a clinch. Elbow from Talbott then he pushes free. Cejudo bulls forward with punches but Talbott stings him with a jab then hits a double leg into side control as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Talbott

ROUND TWO: Left hand from Talbott then Cejudo lands a right. Calf kick from Cejudo. Talbott with a left to the body. Both men with punches but Talbott drops Cejudo, Cejudo fights back up into a clinch. Cejudo tries a lateral drop but Talbott smothers it, they scramble a bit though and Cejudo winds up on top in full guard. Cejudo passes to half guard and lands a few short punches. Some more short blows from Cejudo but his offense is a little muted. Talbott scrambles to turtle, Cejudo gets to the ride and fires a few punches. Talbott gets up with Cejudo on his back, they get chest to chest then Talbott gets Cejudo on the fence. They break without incident then Talbott lands a left to the body. High kick from Talbott, Cejudo tries to fire back but the body blows are getting to him. More body blows from Talbott then a knee, Cejudo is backing up but Talbott keeps hitting the body. Cejudo fires back and they trade a little wildly before Talbott gets a takedown against the fence. Punches from Talbott as Cejudo wall walks. They trade in close again then Cejudo lands a calf kick. Cejudo’s face is busted up. Right hand from Cejudo. Talbott jabs the body. Left hook from Talbott then a knee. They trade one last time, then trade calf kicks just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Talbott, 20-18 Talbott overall

ROUND THREE: Calf kick from Cejudo. Both men land leg kicks. Bit of a right from Cejudo. Talbott lands a left to the body. Left hand from Talbott. Inside leg kick from Talbott then a knee. Talbott is moving and hitting well right now. Cejudo with a bit of a left hook. They clinch up, Cejudo avoids a takedown and they hit the fence. Elbow from Talbott. Cejudo with a knee. A few knees go back and forth, Talbott tries an outside trip but Cejudo winds up on top in half guard. Cejudo moves to the back as they stand then get chest to chest. A few more knees to the body from Talbott, Cejudo lands one up top before they break. Single leg from Cejudo, Talbott avoids getting taken down then slips out of a clinch. Uppercut from Talbott. Cejudo grabs at a single leg then settles for a clinch in space. They break without incident. Both men with some punches in the pocket. Knee from Talbott then a left hook. A body blow paralyzes Cejudo for a second. They clinch again and hit the fence then break cleanly. Both men get close and trade for the final 10 seconds but neither man goes down before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Talbott, 30-27 Talbott overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Payton Talbott via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Really good fight there, Fight of the Night front runner. Mic time for Talbott, he says he’s only going to keep getting better and puts over Cejudo. To close he puts over Cejudo again to close.

Cejudo gets an interview as well since he’s retiring, he puts over Talbott as the future and feels this was a nice stamp on his career. They show a highlight package for him as well. To close he puts over the UFC brass, which is so cringey I have to admire it.

Brando Moreno is a former two time flyweight champion and he does have a two fight winning streak going, Moreno is looking for another win here to make the case that he deserves another shot at the title he used to hold. Tatsuro Taira is only 25 years old and has gone 7-1 in the UFC, most recently he submitted Hyun Sung Park back in August and now he’s looking for his highest profile win to date if he can get his hand raised against Moreno. Close fight here, -120 on Taira while +100 on Moreno is a super tempting bet.

Flyweight Bout: #2 Brandon Moreno (23-8-2, 125 lbs.) vs. #5 Tatsuro Taira (17-1, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two have the same heights and reaches according to the official measurements. Both men show the lead hand to start. Taira misses a couple of punches. Moreno avoids a leg kick. Moreno avoids a takedown, Taira lands a knee then gets close and they hit the mat then scramble around. Taira is nearly coming out on top, Moreno tries a triangle choke but the angle is wrong to really finish it. Technically that triangle is backwards in terms of leg positioning. Taira stacks Moreno up and fires some body punches. A few knees to the body from Taira now then a little slam. Now the legs are properly oriented for Moreno and he looks to adjust the triangle tighter. Taira pulls his head out and jumps on a front headlock then fires knees to the head as they break and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Taira, that triangle wasn’t nearly as close as commentary made it sound

ROUND TWO: Both men with some left hands then Moreno lands a right. Taira tries a takedown but Moreno avoids it. Taira checks an inside calf kick. Bit of a left hook from Moreno. Calf kick from Taira. Moreno sprawls away from a takedown but Taira hits him with a right hand then gets a takedown into full mount. They scramble and Taira gets the back with a body triangle. Taira works to turn Moreno belly down and starts dropping punches to his head. Moreno gets flattened out and Taira unloads on him with punches until the ref steps in because Moreno can’t address the position.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tatsuro Taira via TKO, punches, at 2:24 of Round 2

Maybe a slightly early stoppage there but Moreno was in a bad spot. Mic time for Taira and the translator, Taira plays with the crowd and is very happy. Asked about the stoppage maybe being a bit early, he just felt the punches were landing pretty cleanly and has to leave the rest up to the ref. Next asked about the future and where he fits in the title picture he wants a title shot.

Joshua Van has gone 8-1 in the UFC and only made his professional debut in 2021but now he’s getting a crack at the title. Van is trying to become the second youngest champion in UFC history, he still wont have beaten Jon Jones in that respect but he’ll be the youngest fighter by a considerable margin to claim a UFC belt since Jones first won a UFC title. Alexandre Pantoja is on an eight fight winning streak and has had four consecutive title defenses, all of which has secured him as the second best flyweight champion ever behind the great Demetrious Johnson and put him among the top pound for pound rankings right now. Pantoja is trying to continue his success and get another title defense under his belt. The odds are with Pantoja at -225 to Van’s +185 comeback.

Flyweight Title Bout: (c) Alexandre Pantoja (30-5, 125 lbs.) vs. #1 Joshua Van (15-2, 124.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Pantoja has two and a half inches of reach advantage, Van is 11 years younger though. They touch gloves to get us going. Quick leg kick from Pantoja. Van is swinging back but Pantoja is after him and lands a knee in close. Head kick from Pantoja, but he slips and his left elbow badly dislocates as he tries to balance and that’ll force a really unfortunate ending to the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – and NEW UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van via TKO, arm injury, at :26 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Van for his work, even if this ending is a profound disappointment. Van is quite happy despite objectively contributing little to how that injury came about. Mic time for Van, he thanks God then gives love to Myanmar and his family. He sees what happened on the replay and puts over Pantoja, now knowing what happened seems to have dampened his mood. Asked about defending against someone other than Pantoja if Pantoja needs surgery he says he’ll fight whoever the UFC puts in front of him.

Warning if you’re squeamish but here’s the injury to Pantoja. Sucks to see a great run end this way.

Petr Yan is a former bantamweight champion and he’s on a three fight winning streak coming into his second attempt to regain the title. Yan last lost a fairly wide decision to his opponent tonight back in 2023 but a win would not only regain the title it would throw the pound for pound rankings into a bit of disarray. Merab Dvalishvili is the reigning bantamweight champion, he’s on a 14 fight winning streak including 13 of those being at bantamweight, has the most takedowns in UFC history and is the first and right now only UFC fighter to have over 100 takedowns. Dvalishvili has fought three times already in 2025, defending his title against Umar Nurmagomedov, Sean O’Malley, and Cory Sandhagen so if he can defend the belt again here he’ll set the record for most consecutive bantamweight title defenses as well as cap off the first four set of title fights in a calendar year ever. Tito Ortiz did it in a 12 month span way back in the day but not in a single numerical year. Dvalishvili is a big favorite for a title fight at -410 to Yan’s +320.

Bantamweight Title Bout: (c) Merab Dvalishvili (21-4, 135 lbs.) vs. #3 Petr Yan (19-5, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Yan is an inch and a half taller while Dvalishvili has an inch of reach advantage. A bit of forward pressure from Yan who does a bit of stance switching as well. Dvalishvili lands a right hand then a bit of a calf kick. Right hand from Dvalishvili then a bit of a left hook behind it. Yan with a couple of solid jabs. Both men with a few jabs. Dvalishvili pushes in close and lands a few body shots. They split some jabs, Dvalishvili’s has some discoloration under his left eye. Some more jabs from Yan then he avoids a clinch. Bit of a right from Dvalishvili then he misses blows in close. One two from Yan stuns Dvalishvili. Another jab from Yan, he’s doing well so far. Dvalishvili tries a single leg, he can’t finish it but gets to the back standing and they hit the fence. Some elbows to the forearm from Yan as he’s trying to break the grip. Dvalishvili is working for mat returns but Yan is blocking them so far. Eventually Yan spins free and they reset. A few more jabs go back and forth, Dvalishvili then gets the back standing again and resumes killing time against the fence. Yan gets chest to chest and they trade blows before breaking. Dvalishvili circles away the final 15 seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan

ROUND TWO: Dvalishvili comes out aggressively and lands a right hand. Leg kick from Yan. Dvalishvili tries a takedown, that hits the fence though and stalls out. Yan works to get free, Dvalishvili tries a single leg but Yan still defends and they separate. Left hook from Yan. Dvalishvili clubs his way in close but Yan angles away. Jab from Yan, he’s got Dvalishvili backing up at this point. Dvalishvili misses a left hook then Yan lands a calf kick. Side kick from Yan. Yan with a jab. Dvalishvili misses punches, Yan’s defense is holding up. Double leg from Yan, he gets Dvalishvili down but Dvalishvili quickly starts wrestling up and winds up getting to the back standing. Yan granby rolls and gets to the back standing against the fence. Dvalishvili tries a front headlock and spins Yan against the fence. Yan pulls free and they reset. Jab from Yan. Dvalishvili is coming forward but both men miss rights. Dvalishvili tries a single leg, Yan defends though as they hit the fence. Yan avoids the takedown, Dvalishvili gets to the back standing but now he can’t hit mat returns either. They get chest to chest and Yan spins Dvalishvili into the fence. They trade in the clinch, Dvalishvili lands an elbow as they break. Right hand from Yan. Jabs from Yan then he defends a single leg. They split jabs again to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan, 20-18 Yan overall

ROUND THREE: Dvalishvili’s nose is pretty obviously broken and bleeding from the bridge. Yan with forward pressure right away and lands a left body kick. Glancing head kick from Yan. Dvalishvili lands a right hand and grabs for a guillotine but Yan spikes him with a slam, Dvalishvili bounces up but eats a couple of punches for it. Dvalishvili bulls forward and lands an elbow in close. Left hand from Yan then a knee in close. Finally Dvalishvili gets on the hips of Yan and lifts then slams him down but Yan bounces back up with Dvalishvili on his back standing. Mat return from Dvalishvili, Yan bounces up again. Yan gets chest to chest then defends a single leg and separates. They trade jabs then Dvalishvili tries another takedown but again Yan defends until they hit the fence. Yan gets free and resets. Jabs from Yan then Dvalishvili lands a knee in close. Yan shucks off a takedown then dodges a right hand. Body kick from Yan. Dvalishvili tries a single leg, Yan sprawls then grabs a front headlock and knees Dvalishvili before landing a left hook as they break. Now Dvalishvili avoids a takedown. Right hand from Yan. Another right from Yan. Jabs from Yan then Dvalishvili tries a takedown but Yan defends as they hit the fence. Dvalishvili digs the body then Yan lands a left hand. Knees go back and forth in close then Yan land a left hand. Dvalishvili lands a right hand. Hard body kick from Yan locks up Dvalishvili, Dvalishvili is backing away looking to recover. Yan with another body kick then they clinch just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan but a close one, 30-27 Yan overall

ROUND FOUR: Yan gets back on pressuring forward then lands a calf kick. Right hand from Dvalishvili. They get close and fight over a takedown, Yan is after a double leg and gets Dvalishvili down but Dvalishvili has a guillotine working. Dvalishvili is after this guillotine and Yan’s on the wrong side. Yan is able to pull his head free and gets to the back as they stand. They get chest to chest and Yan lands a knee as they break. Jab from Yan again then a side kick to the knee. Head kick from Yan is partially blocked. Dvalishvili blocks a right hand but eats a jab. Front kick from Dvalishvili then he tries a single leg again but Yan defends and lands a left hand. Yan fights off another takedown and they trade knees. Jab from Yan. Dvalishvili lands a right hand. Yan has Dvalishvili backed to the fence and lands a body kick. Jabs from Yan then a right hand hurts Dvalishvili. Yan with a body kick then a right hand, he’s got Dvalishvili circling away and still a little hurt. Left hand from Yan then a body kick. Dvalishvili avoids a takedown but gets stuck on the fence. Both men land punches then they break. Left hook from Yan. Dvalishvili misses a takedown then Yan paralyzes Dvalishvili with a left to the body. Dvalishvili swings back but Yan defends nicely and cracks him with a left hand. Right hand from Yan, then a left behind it. Dvalishvili is cut around both eyes. Both men land punches in close. Dvalishvili avoids contact for the final few seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan, 40-36 Yan overall

ROUND FIVE: Yan gets back to moving forward right away and lands a couple of side kicks to the knee. Dvalishvili avoids a calf kick. Both men fire jabs then Yan land a calf kick. Dvalishvili falls short with several punches. Inside leg kick from Yan then a left hand. Another left from Yan. Left to the body from Yan then a side kick to the knee. Dvalishvili tries a takedown, Yan defends then cracks him with a right hand. Left hook then an uppercut from Yan. Dvalishvili lands a body kick. Left hand from Yan in close. Dvalishvili misses a right hand then Yan lands a bit of a head kick. Right from Yan. Both men miss hooks. Dvalishvili ties up and gets to the back standing. Yan stays upright and pushes out of the clinch. Jabs from Yan land. Dvalishvili lands an elbow and Yan is cut up in the hairline now. Yan tries a takedown, that hits the fence then he lands a left hand as they break. Another jab from Yan. OK, correction, Yan is not cut that was Dvalishvili’s blood. Dvalishvili tries for a guillotine, Yan takes him down into half guard though. Yan moves to the back standing and lands knees then an elbow as they break. A few front kicks from Dvalishvili land. Yan hurts Dvalishvili with another body kick. Dvalishvili is able to avoid the follow ups but he got hurt there. Yan with a knee in close. Left hand from Yan then another body kick. Glancing right from Yan. Dvalishvili lands a front kick. Bit of a head kick from Yan then he hits a double leg against the fence. Dvalishvili wall walks but Yan holds his back as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan, 50-45 Yan overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – and NEW UFC Bantamweight Champion Petr Yan via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46 x2)

Mic time for the new champion and the translator, he plays with the crowd then says he’s happy to have regained the title. He talks about working very hard and dedicating his life to have this kind of outcome. He puts over Dvalishvili’s team as he’s fought several of their fighters and knows how good they are then sends love to his family. Next he puts over his own team then closes with thanking the UFC brass and says the UFC changed his life.

Dvalishvili gets an interview as well, he says he tried to have an entertaining fight and lost then puts over Yan but does want the rubber match. Asked about the weight cut so close to his last fight he says 135 is a tough cut but he wont make any excuses and just wanted to have an entertaining fight. He also sucks up to the UFC brass and says Yan was the better man tonight. To close he plays with the crowd a bit and again puts over the UFC then says he’s still going forward and isn’t done.

Well on that note UFC 323 and the era of PPV comes to a close. We’ll be unpacking the fallout on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast tomorrow, plus looking ahead to the final UFC event on ESPN+ when we’re back in the warehouse. I’ll be back for that event and I hope you will too. Until next time thank you for reading, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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