LAS VEGAS – The final numbered pay-per-view in UFC history did not disappoint. UFC 323, the promotion’s last event under the traditional PPV model before its move to Paramount+ next year, delivered a night of upsets, dramatic finishes, and a championship-changing performance in the main event.
Main Event: Yan Exacts Revenge, Reclaims Bantamweight Crown
In a highly anticipated rematch, Petr “No Mercy” Yan authored a masterful performance to reclaim the UFC bantamweight championship from Merab Dvalishvili via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46).
Learning from his record-setting takedown defeat in their first fight, Yan showcased impeccable takedown defence and precise counter-striking. He consistently landed the harder shots throughout the five-round war, stifling Dvalishvili’s relentless pressure and earning the nod from all three judges. The epic battle rightly earned “Fight of the Night” honours.
“I told you no excuses this time,” a victorious Yan stated in the octagon. “I am the true champion. This belt is home.”
Co-Main Event: 24-Year-Old Van Makes History in 26 Seconds
The night’s most shocking moment came in the co-main event. Flyweight challenger Joshua Van, who had dismissed criticism about his age, became one of the youngest champions in UFC history in devastating fashion.
Just 26 seconds into the first round, Van defended a takedown attempt from champion Alexandre Pantoja. In the scramble, Pantoja’s arm was caught awkwardly, resulting in a fight-ending injury. The referee stopped the contest, awarding Van the title via TKO due to the arm injury.
“They said I was too young,” Van shouted, holding the belt aloft. “This is for every dreamer! Age is nothing!”
Main Card Highlights: A Legend Retires, A New Star Rises
The main card was filled with pivotal moments for the sport’s future:
- Tatsuro Taira announced himself as a flyweight force, finishing former champion Brandon Moreno with punches from back mount in the second round.
- Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo lost a unanimous decision to rising star Payton Talbott and subsequently announced his retirement from MMA. “My time is done. I leave it to the new generation,” Cejudo said.
- The light heavyweight bout between Jan Błachowicz and Bogdan Guskov ended in a rare majority draw.
Prelim Finishes & Bonuses
The preliminary card was a showcase for violent finishes:
- Manuel Torres and Iwo Baraniewski each earned a $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus. Torres knocked out Grant Dawson with a brutal uppercut, while Baraniewski flattened Ibo Aslan in the first round.
- Other notable finishes came from Chris Duncan (anaconda choke), Jalin Turner (first-round KO), and Mansur Abdul-Malik (standing guillotine in 69 seconds).
The End of an Era
UFC 323 marked the conclusion of a 32-year business model. Starting in 2026, numbered UFC events will no longer be sold as traditional pay-per-views in the United States, but will instead be available to stream at no extra cost on Paramount+ as part of the promotion’s new media rights deal.
The event delivered a fitting send-off: championship drama, a stunning youth movement, and the retirement of a legend, closing one chapter of UFC history as another begins.