UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev offered his respect to both Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili after UFC 323.Yan’s win over Dvalishvili closed one of the most productive stretches any bantamweight champion has produced. Dvalishvili entered the event to set a new UFC record for most title defenses in a calendar year.Makhachev took to X to react to the fight and wrote:"Merab, you are one of the greatest to ever step into this cage. Congratulations. Petya, you deserve it #UFC323"Check out Islam Makhachev's X post below:Yan approached the rematch with patience. He had rebuilt his form through wins over top contenders and tightened the details of his striking. That preparation showed early. He stayed balanced, worked the body and limited Dvalishvili’s entries.The champion still found positions to grapple, but Yan managed each sequence without allowing long stretches of control. As the fight progressed, Yan’s consistency became the defining theme.He read the level changes with accuracy, countered with clean punches and forced Dvalishvili into more single attempts than chains. The body work slowed the champion’s pace, and the exchanges on the feet tilted toward Yan.Even when Dvalishvili secured takedowns, Yan returned to his feet quickly. Dvalishvili tried to press harder in the final round, but the pattern remained steady. Yan closed the fight with composed striking and a late takedown.With this victory, Yan became a two-time UFC bantamweight champion. He thanked his team and family after the win.The bantamweight division now moves into 2026 with genuine depth. Yan stands at the front of a crowded line. Dvalishvili remains close behind despite the setback and will re-enter the picture once he recovers. With Sean O’Malley and Umar Nurmagomedov pushing forward and booked to take on Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo, respectively, the next year should lead to some meaningful matchups.