UFC 323 Preview: Merab's Historic Fourth Defense vs Petr Yan in Las Vegas Rematch
Merab Dvalishvili attempts something no UFC champion has ever done - four title defenses in a single calendar year. Tomorrow night at UFC 323, the Georgian champion faces former champion Petr Yan in a highly anticipated rematch at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
This is also the LAST UFC pay-per-view before the Paramount Skydance deal takes effect in 2026.
Ringside Report MMA hosts Dave Simon and AJ D'Alesio break down the historic main event plus Alexandre Pantoja vs Joshua Van for the flyweight title, Brandon Moreno vs Tatsuro Taira, Henry Cejudo's retirement fight, and Jan Błachowicz vs Bogdan "The Goose" Guskov.
OFFICIAL PREDICTIONS:
Main Event - Merab Dvalishvili (c) vs Petr Yan:
- Dave Simon: Merab by Decision/Late Finish
- AJ D'Alesio: Merab by Finish Before Round 5
Co-Main - Alexandre Pantoja (c) vs Joshua Van:
- Dave Simon: Pantoja by Submission (Darce/RNC)
- AJ D'Alesio: Joshua Van by Upset
Brandon Moreno vs Tatsuro Taira:
- Both Pick: Tatsuro Taira by Decision
Henry Cejudo vs Payton Talbott:
- Both Pick: Payton Talbott (Cejudo's retirement fight)
Jan Błachowicz vs Bogdan Guskov:
- Dave Simon: "The Goose" Guskov by KO (Underdog Pick!)
- AJ D'Alesio: "The Goose" Guskov by KO
Dave's Official Parlay ($20 to win $69):
Bogdan Guskov (+105) + Payton Talbott (-275) + Merab Dvalishvili (-425)
KEY TOPICS:
- Why Merab's 4th defense is unprecedented
- Last UFC PPV before Paramount+ era
- Petr Yan rematch from March 2023
- Joshua Van's upset potential at 24 years old
- Henry Cejudo's legacy and retirement
- "The Goose Is Loose" - new fighter nickname
- Complete betting analysis and parlay picks
- Fighter of the Year discussion
LIVE WATCH-ALONG: Join us tomorrow at 10PM ET on YouTube for real-time analysis: https://youtube.com/live/2CbAzeV0c_4
PLACE YOUR BETS: https://bet99.ringsidereport.net
GET UFC FIGHT CLUB ACCESS: https://ufcfightclub.ringsidereport.net
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