Yan backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Petr Yan experienced a magical night at UFC 323. At the event held this Saturday (6), in Las Vegas (USA), the Russian surprised and defeated Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision, becoming bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg) for the second time. As the encounter was a true battle, the athlete won the 'Fight of the Night' bonus, taking home a check for 50 thousand dollars (approximately R$ 272 thousand, at the current exchange rate). Defeated, the Georgian also left the show with his pockets full.
The UFC announced the awards shortly after the event. In the main event, Yan showed himself to be impeccable in takedown defense and striking. Sharp and sharp, the Russian prevailed on his feet, and when the Georgian intensified the pace, he didn't panic. On the contrary, 'No Mercy' had an answer for everything 'The Machine' tried, frustrating him and surprising fans and MMA professionals. The encounter between the fighters was so remarkable that it was chosen as the best of the event and should also compete for the best of 2025.
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Other bonuses
In the preliminary card, Iwo Baraniewski and Manuel Torres stood out and earned the 'Performance of the Night' bonuses. The Polish fighter made his debut in the world's largest MMA organization and immediately made a splash. In the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg), he knocked out Ibo Aslan in just over a minute, in an insane fight. The newcomer showed power and resilience, maintaining his undefeated record in the sport.
In the fight that closed the preliminary card, the Mexican fighter made short work of Grant Dawson . Defending a takedown, Torres gained confidence, saw the American become frustrated, and impressed in the stand-up fight. 'El Loco' blitzed his opponent, who quickly went down and didn't get up again. This was Manuel's second consecutive victory and second bonus.
Results UFC 323
MAIN CARD
Bantamweight title (up to 61,2 kg): Petr Yan defeated Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
Flyweight Championship (up to 57 kg): Joshua Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja by technical knockout (arm injury) at 26 seconds of round 1.
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Tatsuro Taira defeated Brandon Moreno by technical knockout (punches) at 2:24 of round 2.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Payton Talbott defeated Henry Cejudo by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Jan Blachowicz vs. Bogdan Guskov ended in a majority draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Manuel Torres defeated Grant Dawson by technical knockout (punches) at 2:25 of round 1.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Chris Duncan defeated Terrance McKinney by submission (Anaconda choke) at 2:30 of round 1.
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Maycee Barber defeated Karine Silva by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Fares Ziam defeated Nazim Sadykhov by technical knockout (elbows) at 4:59 of round 2.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Brunno Hulk defeated Marvin Vettori by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Jalin Turner defeated Edson Barboza by technical knockout (punches) at 2:24 of round 1.
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Iwo Baraniewski defeated Ibo Aslan by knockout (punch) at 1:29 of round 1.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Mansur Abdul-Malik defeated Antonio Trócoli by submission (standing guillotine choke) at 1:9 of round 1.
Featherweight (up to 65,8 kg): Mairon Santos defeated Muhammad Naimov by technical knockout (punches) at 21 seconds of round 3.
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