Sunday Dec 07, 2025
UFC 323 Review
📰 UFC 323 Recap: Yan Outlasts Merab, Taira Shocks Moreno, and Turner Dismantles Barboza
By MADCoach
Petr Yan Silences Merab in Tactical War
In the night’s marquee bantamweight clash, former champion Petr Yan proved he’s still a force to be reckoned with, earning a unanimous decision over the relentless Merab Dvalishvili. Merab’s trademark pace and takedown attempts kept Yan on high alert, but the Russian’s defensive sharpness and crisp boxing combinations carried the day. By the championship rounds, Yan was landing the cleaner shots and dictating the tempo, cementing a statement win that reasserts his place among the division’s elite.
Joshua Van Stuns Pantoja in 26 Seconds
The flyweight division was rocked when rising star Joshua Van scored a shocking TKO over champion Alexandre Pantoja just 26 seconds into Round 1. An unfortunate arm injury forced Pantoja out almost immediately, leaving Van to claim the victory in stunning fashion. While the ending was abrupt, Van’s readiness to capitalize on the moment showcased his composure under pressure and catapulted him into the spotlight as a legitimate contender.
Tatsuro Taira Breaks Through Against Moreno
Japan’s Tatsuro Taira delivered the performance of his career, finishing former champion Brandon Moreno with relentless punches from back mount in Round 2. Moreno pressed forward early, but once the fight hit the mat, Taira’s grappling dominance took over. Securing Moreno’s back, Taira unleashed a barrage that forced the stoppage, signaling his arrival as a dangerous new force in the flyweight ranks.
Talbott Outpoints Cejudo in Breakout Win
Rising bantamweight Payton Talbott earned the biggest victory of his career, defeating former double champ Henry Cejudo via unanimous decision. Talbott’s jab and footwork neutralized Cejudo’s wrestling, while his volume striking impressed the judges. Across three rounds, Talbott’s composure and precision marked him as a rising star in a stacked division.
Blachowicz vs. Guskov Ends in Majority Draw
Veteran Jan Błachowicz and rising light heavyweight Bogdan Guskov battled to a rare majority draw after three competitive rounds. Guskov’s youthful aggression clashed with Blachowicz’s veteran savvy, producing a back-and-forth affair. With judges split, the stalemate leaves the door wide open for a rematch.
Torres, Duncan, Barber Shine in Undercard
- Manuel Torres delivered a highlight-reel finish, flooring Grant Dawson with an uppercut before sealing the deal with ground strikes.
- Chris Duncan showcased slick grappling, submitting Terrance McKinney with an anaconda choke in Round 1.
- Maycee Barber continued her climb in the flyweight division, outworking Karine Silva for a unanimous decision victory.
Ziam, Ferreira, Turner Deliver Statement Wins
- Fares Ziam scored one of the latest stoppages in UFC history, finishing Nazim Sadykhov at 4:59 of Round 2 with elbows and punches.
- Brunno Ferreira pulled off a major upset, outpointing former title challenger Marvin Vettori with sharp striking and movement.
- Jalin Turner made quick work of veteran Edson Barboza, overwhelming him with punches for a Round 1 TKO.
Quick Finishes Highlight the Prelims
- Iwo Baraniewski blasted Ibo Aslan with a right hook before swarming with ground strikes for a 1:29 finish.
- Mansur Abdul-Malik locked in a standing guillotine on Antonio Trócoli, forcing a tap in just 69 seconds.
- Mairon Santos closed the card in style, flooring Muhammad Naimov with a crisp jab–cross combo early in Round 3.
Final Word
UFC 323 delivered everything fight fans crave: tactical wars, shocking upsets, and lightning-fast finishes. From Yan’s calculated dismantling of Merab to Taira’s breakthrough against Moreno, the event reshaped divisional landscapes and spotlighted the next wave of contenders.
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