What’s next for new champions Petr Yan and Joshua Van after UFC 323?

The championship belts that were contested at UFC 323 have changed hands after extended reigns, so it’s no wonder there’s been talk of rematches just a day later. It seems unfair that we likely won’t see an immediate rematch of Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja since Pantoja suffered an injury during their brief encounter on Saturday and may be sidelined for a while. However, this situation opens the door for an exciting matchup in Van’s first championship defense against another rising star, Tatsuro Taira.

In the men’s bantamweight division, it appears the only viable option for new title-holder Petr Yan is a trilogy fight against Merab Dvalishvili.

Let’s explore these scenarios and others concerning the key winners and losers at UFC 323.

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Petr Yan, men’s bantamweight champion

Next opponent should be: Merab Dvalishvili

The UFC absolutely needs to set up the trilogy, and it can’t postpone it. There are other captivating matchups in the men’s bantamweight division, and — please don’t get upset; I’m just stating the situation — if Sean O’Malley defeats Song Yadong in January, and if he calls for a title shot while Yan is also interested in facing O’Malley, that fight can’t be disregarded. However, Dvalishvili, who competed for the fourth time this year on Saturday, deserves the opportunity to regain the title right away. He and Yan represent the top two bantamweights globally. Their record stands at 1-1. Given that Dvalishvili is 34 years old and Yan is 32, any delay benefits the younger Yan, which feels unjust. Let’s book the trilogy.

Wild card: O’Malley

A significant segment of the UFC fanbase will react strongly if O’Malley is named Yan’s first title challenger. While I doubt it’s likely, it shouldn’t be ruled out. O’Malley already has a victory over Yan, having won by split decision after a tightly contested battle in October 2022.

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Merab Dvalishvili, men’s bantamweight

Next opponent should be: Petr Yan

Dvalishvili aimed to make history by taking a chance most champions would avoid. He risked his title for what would have been a record-setting fourth defense had he succeeded. Although it didn’t go as planned, the sport appreciates this kind of boldness. MMA celebrates champions, and anyone who strives for greatness. He deserves an immediate rematch not just based on rankings, but also because of the risk he took as the champion.

Wild card: Winner of Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo on Jan. 24

If Nurmagomedov defeats Figueiredo at UFC 324, I’m not keen on pairing Dvalishvili with Nurmagomedov next, because Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov feels like a title fight. Yan vs. Nurmagomedov also has a title fight vibe. If Nurmagomedov wins in January, he should be competing for a championship again. Yet, the UFC schedules fights, and Dvalishvili prefers to stay active.

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Joshua Van, men’s flyweight champion

Next opponent should be: Tatsuro Taira

The best option here is Alexandre Pantoja; however, it’s anticipated that Pantoja, who was injured in the first round of Saturday’s co-main event, won’t be able to compete in the near future. This is unfortunate for Pantoja, but this division has enough depth to pursue other compelling matchups while Pantoja recovers. Taira, who defeated former champion Brandon Moreno in the second round on Saturday, is another emerging talent with exceptional skills. A title fight between two young fighters in their mid-20s would be fascinating.

Wild card: Manel Kape

If Kape defeats Brandon Royval in the last main event of 2025 next week, especially with a strong performance, he could enter the title discussion. Yet, even in the best-case scenario for Kape, it’s difficult to see him leapfrogging Taira. Kape has always been a formidable underdog in this division, and his opportunity seems to be approaching. He possesses championship-level skills but must maintain consistency over a considerable duration. If circumstances align favorably and he defeats former title challenger Royval on Dec. 13, he might face Van next.

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Payton Talbott, men’s bantamweight

Next opponent should be: Cory Sandhagen

Sandhagen would pose a significant step up in competition for Talbott, but I’m all for it. Talbott faced a setback at the beginning of this year, losing by decision to Raoni Barcelos, but he has fully moved past it, particularly following this win over Henry Cejudo on Saturday. Talbott has potential — he’s entertaining, charismatic, and self-assured. If the UFC opts to match him against another contender coming off a win, like Aiemann Zahabi, I understand, but right now, Talbott remains one of the most exciting up-and-comers. Why not take a chance with matchmaking and see what he can do? Could Sandhagen be too much for him? Perhaps. But even if that’s the case, a loss won’t significantly hinder his momentum. A victory would elevate him tremendously.

Wild card: Zahabi

If the UFC prefers a more traditional choice, Zahabi stands out as a clear candidate.

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Maycee Barber, women’s flyweight

Next opponent should be: Manon Fiorot

Barber has experienced her share of ups and downs throughout her career. She has dealt with injuries, canceled bouts, and early-career defeats that threatened to derail her momentum, but after her legitimate win over Karine Silva, she’s in a positive position. Given the long journey she has faced, there is no reason to deny her a chance at the very top. She was already ranked No. 5 by the UFC before Saturday, and the current No. 1 flyweight, Fiorot, needs an opponent. Fiorot just won against Jasmine Jasudavicius in October, but her recent loss to champion Valentina Shevchenko in May has kept her outside title discussions. This matchup makes sense for both fighters.

Wild card: Erin Blanchfield

I must propose this matchup, although it seems unlikely. Blanchfield is justified in turning it down after Barber withdrew from both their previously scheduled fights — first in 2021 and then again in May. However, because of that background, a potential fight could be rescheduled in the future.