Get ready for a UFC showdown that could rewrite the history books! Merab Dvalishvili is on a mission to dethrone Islam Makhachev as they both chase the elusive title of the greatest UFC fighter of all time. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Makhachev is just one win away from surpassing Anderson Silva’s legendary record, Dvalishvili is hot on his heels, ready to spoil the party. This Saturday in Las Vegas, the bantamweight champion returns to the Octagon for a title defense that could cement his legacy—or shatter it entirely.
In the main event of UFC 323, Dvalishvili faces Petr Yan in a highly anticipated rematch. This bout marks Dvalishvili’s fourth title defense of 2025, a record-breaking feat no UFC champion has ever achieved in a single calendar year. Nicknamed ‘The Machine,’ Dvalishvili is no stranger to shattering records, having already become the first fighter to reach 100 takedowns in the UFC this year. But can he keep the momentum going?
And this is the part most people miss: Dvalishvili’s resume is nothing short of elite. With wins over Cory Sandhagen, Sean O’Malley (twice), Umar Nurmagomedov, Henry Cejudo, Petr Yan, and Jose Aldo, he’s built one of the most impressive careers in UFC history. But is he the greatest bantamweight ever? That’s a question that divides fans and experts alike.
Meanwhile, Makhachev’s dominance is undeniable. After becoming the welterweight king at UFC 322, he tied Anderson Silva’s record of 16 consecutive wins. Yet, Dvalishvili, with his 14-fight win streak, is just one victory away from closing the gap. In a recent interview, Dvalishvili admitted, ‘Of course, I think about breaking the record… but it’s easy to say, it’s hard to do.’ Bold words, but can he back them up?
Here’s the controversial twist: While Dvalishvili dreams of surpassing Silva and Makhachev, Petr Yan is determined to derail his plans. Yan has been itching for revenge since their one-sided 2023 bout, and this Saturday is his chance to settle the score. Will Yan become only the second fighter to knock Dvalishvili down, following Marlon Moraes’s 2021 feat? Or will ‘The Machine’ continue his unstoppable march toward greatness?
As UFC 323 approaches, the stakes have never been higher. Will Dvalishvili solidify his claim as the GOAT contender, or will Yan—or even Makhachev—stand in his way? What do you think? Is Dvalishvili the greatest bantamweight ever, or is it too soon to crown him? Let us know in the comments below!
