UFC 323 Aftermath: 5 Matchups to Challenge Petr Yan’s New Bantamweight Reign

After UFC 323 Petr Yan claimed the bantamweight title from Merab Dvalishvili. Bloody Elbow presents five matchups to define the division’s next chapter.

Bloody Elbow wants to play matchmaker after UFC 323. Petr Yan took Merab Dvalishvili’s bantamweight title in the main event, and the division suddenly looks wide open. With a new champion in town, now’s the time to map the best, most compelling title fights that mix stylistic intrigue, rankings logic, and fan interest.

Rematch: Merab Dvalishvili
A rematch with Merab is the straightforward narrative. Dvalishvili’s pressure and relentless wrestling tested Yan, and a return bout would settle unfinished business. Fans who watched UFC 323 will want a clear answer: can Yan adjust to Merab’s pace, or will Dvalishvili regain the crown?

Sean O’Malley: Style vs. Style
Sean O’Malley brings marquee appeal and dynamic striking that contrasts perfectly with Yan’s technical power. A Yan vs. O’Malley title fight sells itself: high-level striking exchanges, stylistic chess, and massive PPV potential. This matchup would elevate the bantamweight title to mainstream conversation.

Cory Sandhagen: Unorthodox Challenge
Cory Sandhagen’s creativity and unorthodox angles make him a tough stylistic puzzle for Yan. Sandhagen can mix movement, timing, and grappling defense to neutralize pressure fighters. A title bout here would test Yan’s adaptability against a slippery, multi-dimensional opponent.

Rob Font: Boxing Test at the Top
Rob Font presents a pure boxing challenge. His timing and counter-punching could exploit openings in Yan’s game. If Yan wants to prove he’s the most complete bantamweight, a defense against Font would demonstrate his ability to handle elite boxing under championship pressure.

Song Yadong or Marlon Vera: High-Risk, High-Reward
Booking a rising star like Song Yadong or an always-dangerous Marlon "Chito" Vera would inject unpredictability into the title picture. Both fighters offer crowd-pleasing styles and high finishing rates, creating a volatile title fight where one mistake swings the outcome.

UFC 323 reshaped the bantamweight division, and Bloody Elbow’s matchmaking list balances competitive merit with marketability. Whether the UFC opts for a rematch, a high-profile striker, or a tricky technical stylist, Petr Yan’s first defenses will define his reign and the division’s next chapter. Which fight would you book next?

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