UFC - UFC #323
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by Bill Christy | in UFC Picks
The main event at UFC 323 will be a rematch between Merab Dvalishvili (21-4-0) and Petr Yan (19-5-0), for the Bantamweight title. Merab took the win in the previous meeting back in March of 2023. He won by unanimous decision with all 3 judges scoring the contest 50-45. That win really catapulted Merab into the conversation of being a contender for the belt, which he won just 2 fights later and has since defended successfully 3 times. In typical Merab fashion, he shot 49 times and successfully took Yan down 11 of those times and controlled him for nearly 7 total minutes. He also doubled Yan in significant strikes in the previous matchup. It was a true master class by Merab.
Since the loss, Yan has gone 3-0 with wins over Yadong, Figueiredo, and Marcus McGhee most recently. All 3 of those wins came via unanimous decision. Yan has leaned on his superior boxing skills in all 3 of those wins and has looked a bit fresher in those bouts.
Yan is going to do everything in his power to stifle Merab’s takedown attempts and constant pressure to stay in this fight. For Merab, he needs to do what he does best and continue to use his incredible cardio to his advantage. He has defeated even bigger names since their last meeting, but that does not mean Yan will be an easy win.
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Merab Dvalishvili - Petr Yan Key Points
- Merab is 4-0 in title fights in the UFC.
- Merab is 14-0 in his last 14 fights.
- Yan is 4-4 in his last 8 fights.
- Yan lost the previous meeting 50-45 on all 3 judges’ score cards.
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Our Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan Prediction
Yan has the boxing ability to stand and strike with anyone in this division. However, Merab presents a very difficult style for Yan to use his boxing skills. The constant pressure Merab will use and constant takedown attempts will not allow Yan to stand and get comfortable on the feet. We see this fight going almost the same way the previous one did. Merab by decision is the likely scenario, especially with Yan never being finished in his career.
Our prediction for Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan: Dvalishvili by Decision
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