Revenge is a dish best served over five rounds, and Petr Yan delivered a masterclass at UFC 323 when he reclaimed the UFC bantamweight championship with a dominant decision victory over Merab Dvalishvili.

The rematch, which headlined the December 6 event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, answered any lingering questions about who truly rules the 135-pound division. Yan’s technical striking and improved takedown defense proved to be the difference in a fight many considered too close to call going in.

“I told everyone I would be back,” Yan said after the fight. “Merab is a great champion, but tonight was my night. I never stopped believing.”

The victory capped an incredible 2025 for Yan, who had earlier secured a clear-cut decision win over the formerly undefeated Marcus McGhee. But it was the Dvalishvili rematch that truly defined his year.

For Dvalishvili, the loss ends an audacious championship run that saw him defend the title four times in a single calendar year. Despite the setback, his legacy as one of the most active and game champions in UFC history remains secure.

Yan now turns his attention to potential challengers, with several contenders jockeying for position including Umar Nurmagomedov and rising star Payton Talbott.

The bantamweight division enters 2026 with renewed energy and a proven champion at the helm once again.