With one man looking to make record-breaking history, there have been over 14 fights, 2 of which were title bouts. The headliner of the December 6, 2025, card, Dvalishvili vs. Yan 2, is one of the most highly anticipated bouts in UFC history. The fight is taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and with endless possibilities in the MMA world, this fight can open a world of opportunities. The fight is also an offering for any online UFC betting sites.
From title implications to the undercard hype, in this breakdown, I will tell you what this card is all about and how to improve your thinking for fight night. If you plan on betting on the fights or will be watching them just for the entertainment, I will make sure to highlight the most important fight on the card, along with the odds, so you can get the most from them.
You’ll get:
- An explanation and breakdown of the most important fights of the card. This will also include the fights that may come as a surprise to you.
- An analysis of the title holders and the fighters challenging for the title, with considerations on popularity and combat history.
- An overview of how to use the fight metrics and relate them to the odds, along with an entire UFC betting guide.
- A glimpse of all the possibilities and events that this fight card can open in 2026.
Fight Reality Check: What’s Really at Stake
Dvalishvili’s Year of Pressure and Potential History
Merab Dvalishvili enters UFC 323 on the longest win streak in the history of the UFC 135-pound division. In addition to that, he has the all-time UFC takedown record and has been on a steady rise in the rankings since 2018. If he wins, he will have four title defenses in one calendar year, a record that no one has yet obtained. This narrative has been the driving force of the entire card.
The story of their first combat encounter was one in which he simply out-tireless the former champion. Dvalishvili, in a meticulous manner, scheduled and controlled the layout of the fight in a manner that neutralized Yan’s ability to pivot and make adjustments in the fight as he pleased. However, it is Yan’s title shot that shows he has been in the gym and is rounding back to the form in which he was able to make significant (and volatile) moves in the fight as he locked it in his head.
The belt is only part of the motivation. A Dvalishvili win improves his ranking and places him safely among the most active and productive champions to ever compete in the UFC. Conversely, a Yan win (which is highly expected) would shake the entire division, renewing its rivalries and darting straight to causes a trilogy. This is a fight defined by the stakes as much as the skills.
Flyweight Flashpoint: Pantoja vs Joshua Van
The co-main event featured fights between fighters from opposite ends of their careers. The story of Julius Pantoja is a complete fighter. Skilled everywhere. Defensively very strong. Pantoja is set against Joshua Van, a fighter born in the 21st century, who is fast and a future champion. The battle is between a veteran and the future of the sport.
Pantoja is the one who has been consistent in his training and has much more experience, while Van has the training consistency of someone newer and more energetic. This makes for a good conflict between the 2 fighters. The pressure is on the younger Van to show that in the sport of fighting, energy and speed reign over experience. The on Pantoja as hinted over the 30 seconds to show that the sport, and more specifically, the fighting division, has a future of younger fighters.
The future for the flyweights in 2026 relies on the fighter who wins. Will it remain the same, or will it become something entirely new?
Undercard Variables: Comebacks, Risks, and Value Spots
At high-stakes PPVs, the undercards are often ignored. This isn’t the case here. UFC 323 has a mixture of former champions, returning fighters, and taps the undercard to growing prospects, creating the potential for an upset.
Fighting yourself back into relevancy mixed with a strong pedigree is what uplifts fighters like Cejudo, Turner, and Barber. These bouts matter for the players involved, as they can signal a rearrangement of the rankings, lead to future matchups, or increase the quantified risk for oddsmakers to create a line. Oftentimes, there is no way to predict the fighter returning from a layoff, which is a crucial factor regarding the odds and props.
At least two of the underdogs will likely exceed expectations. This type of card is more likely to lead to inefficient market odds for seasoned bettors, as fighters try to prove themselves.
How UFC 323 Should Shape Your Betting Mindset
When accessing a UFC betting guide and odds, the best thing to do is simplify the card to only a few real variables. Leave the narratives to the Macy’s. Pay attention to the numbers: takedown accuracy, striking differential, control time, and cardio performance across rounds. More than any promo package, these statistics tell the real story of UFC 323.
For example:
- Dvalishvili fights at an extremely high pace. Unless someone can manage to stop his entries, he will likely win any fight that goes into the championship rounds.
- Yan fights best at a distance, where he can control the fight and set various traps. If he can get Dvalishvili off rhythm early, this can be a very favorable fight for him.
- As for the co-main event, looking at scrambling stats and defensive grappling stats. Pantoja excels at scrambles. Van excels in chaotic grappling.
Another note is that title fights are often overbet in favor of the first fighter. However, in rematches, the betting often tightens. Fighters coming off long layoffs often look very good at first, but can fall off quickly, and this can affect the fights on the undercard.
Be selective and look to bet good opportunities rather than just betting on fighters for the sake of it.
Where UFC 323 Might Send the UFC in 2026
A victory by Dvalishvili would craft a compelling narrative around champion dominance; something the UFC hasn’t had in years for bantamweights. This would typically create new pipelines for challengers, create opportunities for experimental matchmaking, and raise discussions around superfights.
If the upset is by Yan, that would create rematch speculation, a fracture in the fanbase, and a reshuffling of the rankings.
A win by Joshua Van would create a new champion for the UFC who is young and marketable around the world, a major boost to the storyline. If Pantoja wins, that will stabilize the flyweights and make the division continue being predictable.
Shuffling the undercard would affect matchmaking in the already volatile lightweight, women’s flyweight, and bantamweight divisions. UFC 323 is poised to be a breakout event for three fighters in 2026.
Expert Insights: Tips Worth Using on Fight Night
Focus on Successful Takedowns Rather Than Overall Attempts
Dvalishvili takes many shots, but success early on matters. Once he gets 2 in Round 1, Yan’s timing gets thrown off, and he loses control of the fight.
Do Not Rely on Veterans After a Long Hiatus
Just because they have championship IQ doesn’t mean they don’t have cage rust. Pay attention to the opening motion. If they are slow on their feet, they are not a good investment.
Pick the Younger of the Fighters
Younger fighters tend to perform better in high-action scrambles. A good example of this is Joshua Van, who seems to thrive in higher-paced scenarios with lots of exchanges.
Undercard is Not Guessing, It is an Opportunity
The public tends to overlook early fights. This is where you can find discrepancies in odds, especially in line mismatches involving a striker with a grappler where there’s a clear stylistic disadvantage.
Extreme Styles Prop Bets
If a fighter overly relies on a specific strategy, such as a wrestler or a K.O. dependent striker, a method of victory prop bet will result in better odds compared to taking the moneyline.
Do Not Go All-in, Diversify Your Bets
Big cards often lead to a spiral bet situation. Split your stakes evenly into a main bet, a smaller underdog bet, and a prop to keep things less volatile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes UFC 323 such a remarkable event?
A: There are very few events in UFC history where a champion has attempted to defend their title four times in one calendar year, and this co-main event has the potential to alter the entire history of the flyweight division. The astonishing numbers of this entire card make this a major event in UFC history.
Q: Who has the stylistic edge in Dvalishvili vs Yan 2?
A: If this fight comes down to pace and wrestling, Dvalishvili has a clear path to victory. However, if Yan is able to keep the fight vertical and manage distance properly, he could very well win this fight.
Q: How does the Pantoja vs Van matchup look for bettors?
A: When the two are compared in their totality, it is clear Pantoja has the edge. Van has superior speed and is a huge threat in the first few minutes of the fight. The first few minutes are undoubtedly where Pantoja has to be the most cautious, because if he is able to take the fight to the later rounds, he should be able to win it.
Q: Are undercard fights smart to bet on?
A: Yes, if the analysis is properly executed. If the division or a fighter’s recent form is getting a hard pass because of low-profile reasons, that is when the value in the fight is lost, and that opens the perfect opportunity to bet.
Q: What are the biggest risks bettors overlook?
A: Four major risks extend a fight’s potential. Poor weight management, prolonged time away from the cage, unannounced changes to the opponent, and, of course, their overall stamina.
Q: Should bettors prioritize title fights or undercards?
A: There should be a balance of the two. Title fights are more stable and predictable, but undercard fights usually have a lot of potential.
Q: Are prop bets worth exploring at UFC 323?
A: Absolutely. Especially on fights where the winner is finalized, and prop bets for how the fight will be won will be especially successful.
Q: How to Use Fight Metrics and Analytics for the Best UFC Betting Sites Experience?
A: Check striking accuracy, takedown defense, pace, and late-round output when comparing matchups on UFC betting sites. Consistent volume usually predicts success.
Final Look Before the Cage Closes
UFC 323 isn’t just a deep card — it’s a turning point. A champion might make history. A challenger might flip two divisions upside down. And several fighters on the undercard could redefine their careers in one night. If you’re checking UFC online betting sites, you’re walking into a card with real opportunity, but only if you rely on the right factors: pace, matchups, conditioning, and actual performance trends.
Three key takeaways:
- Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 is a rematch shaped by pace and control — not just hype.
- Pantoja vs Van could reshape the future of flyweight immediately.
- Undercard volatility creates betting windows most cards don’t offer.
Stay sharp, follow the data, and trust matchups over emotion. If you’re ready to put your analysis to work, head to BetNow and make your picks with confidence.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: December 6, 2025
Last updated: December 7, 2025