David Triumphs Over Goliath

Petr Yan def. Merab Dvalsihvili at UFC 323 to become Bantamweight champion via aljazeera.com

December 6th officially marked the UFC’s final pay-per-view event and its partnership with ESPN. Anticipation for UFC 323 was through the roof, and at night’s end, the fight sure delivered. Without further ado, let’s get into it.

Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili

In the main event of UFC 323, Petr Yan reclaimed his bantamweight title, avenging his loss against bantamweight GOAT Merab Dvalishvili.

What Petr Yan did in the octagon might be one of the greatest championship performances the sport has ever seen.

In their first matchup, Yan was unable to keep pace with Dvalishvili, succumbing to a five-round beatdown. In that fight, Dvalishvili shot for a record-setting 49 takedown attempts, and despite only successfully executing a fraction of those, it was enough to keep Yan on the back foot the entire contest.

Fast forward three years, and Dvalishvili had dismantled every opponent the same way: smothering them against the cage, weaponizing his cardio, and overwhelming his opponent.

Having had a taste of Dvalishvili prior, Yan knew what to expect heading into UFC 323. 

For five straight rounds, Yan not only kept pace with Dvalishvili, but he outpaced him, something no one thought was possible.

Yan brutalized Dvalishvili on the feet, using punches and kicks to the body. If there was one identifiable weak point in Dvalishvili’s game, it was his ability to take body shots: we saw Sean O’Malley hurt him with this. So when Yan continued to dig into the body with violent, precise Muay Thai, Dvalishvili was on the retreat. 

Nonetheless, Dvalishvili managed to shoot for 29 takedowns. The problem was that Yan was prepared, stuffing 27 of 29 takedowns, a 93% takedown defense. With Dvalishvili unable to utilize his grappling, he was forced to stand and trade with one of the best strikers in the UFC. 

Ultimately, Yan was able to surgically break Dvalishvili down over the course of twenty-five minutes, en route to a dominant decision victory.

Looking forward, it’s likely they will do a trilogy between the two. Having compiled the resume he has, it is only right that the UFC grant Dvalishvili a chance at redemption. 

However, as we’ve seen with recent questionable matchmaking, you never know what the UFC will do. 

Sean O’Malley fights against Song Yadong at UFC 324, and with O’Malley being the only other active bantamweight with a win over Yan, don’t be surprised if the rematch for O’Malley vs Yan is booked for the White House.

This isn’t about other fighters; however, it’s about the fact that Petr Yan is back in prime form, and with his performance in Las Vegas, it’s hard to imagine anyone dethroning him.

Joshua Van def. Alexandre Pantoja via yahoosports.com

Joshua Van vs Alexandre Pantoja

The highly anticipated co-main event lasted all but 26 seconds, as Joshua Van became the second youngest champion in UFC history, behind Jon Jones.

For fans who didn’t watch this fight, you’re in luck.

Alexandre Pantoja suffered one of the most gruesome injuries you will see.

The fight began with a rapid pace; Pantoja, the aggressor, on the front foot, per usual. After a clinch exchange, Van kicked Pantoja, causing Pantoja to step back, and as he did, he tripped.

Pantoja fell onto the ground, bracing his fall with his arms, and ultimately paying the price.

His elbow snapped as soon as he hit the ground, and he waved to referee Herb Dean to call the fight. 

What made this fight even odder was Van’s post-fight antics.

Right away, the new champion leapt on top of the cage, celebrating to the crowd as if he had finished Pantoja. Sure, he is entitled to be happy after winning the title, no doubt about that, but his post-fight antics rubbed many fans the wrong way.

Regardless of what the MMA community might think, Joshua Van is the new undisputed flyweight champion.

With Pantoja out indefinitely, the division will have to move on. Van’s likely opponent is surging Japanese prospect Tatsuro Taira, who, in the fight prior, pulled off a stunning finish over former champion Brandon Moreno.

There’s no doubt that Pantoja will get the title opportunity when he returns. The question now is, will he return close to, or at, his peak form?

Henry Cejudo announces retirement, following a loss to Payton Talbott at UFC 323 via r/ufc

Henry Cejudo: A Career Tribute

After his loss to Payton Talbott, Henry Cejudo announced his retirement from the sport.

The Olympic wrestling gold medalist, former flyweight champion, and former bantamweight champion went out on his shield, swinging until the final bell.

The fight between him and Talbott was an absolute war, and in typical Henry Cejudo fashion, his effort never wavered, never faded, and he never gave up.

The sport now says goodbye to one of the greatest combat athletes of all time, but his legacy is etched in UFC immortality. “Triple C” is officially out.