Liam Lindsay

Merab Dvalishvili had one of the most active championship runs in UFC history during 2025, fighting four times in a single calendar year, with all four being for the Undisputed Bantamweight Championship. The Georgian fighter started the year by defending his newly won title against undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 on January 18th, earning a unanimous decision victory and another Fight of the Night bonus.

His second defense came against Sean O'Malley, the man he defeated for the title the first time, in a rematch at UFC 316 on June 7th, where Dvalishvili submitted the former champion with a north-south choke in the third round. The finish earned him a Performance of the Night award and also marked Dvalishvili's first finish since 2021, when he TKO'd Marlon Moraes.

Dvalishvili's third title defense came against former interim title challenger Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320 on October 4th, securing another unanimous decision victory. Just two months later, he faced former champion Petr Yan in a rematch at UFC 323 on December 6th, where his run came to an end via a dominant unanimous decision loss.

## Time For a Break?

Following Dvalishvili's loss to Yan, former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping weighed in on what's next for the former champion. Speaking on the JAXXON podcast, Bisping suggested a reccomended approach for Dvalishvili's return.

"I think if Merab takes some time off, maybe 6 months off, let Petr Yan fight Umar Nurmagomedov, and then come back and fight the winner. Taking 6 months away, go to Georgia, spend time with family, and don't think about fighting."

This move would affect Dvalishvili's brand, who's built himself up as one of the most active fighters in the UFC across the last year and a half, but it might be a necessary change. But, at the same time, if he believes he can defeat Petr Yan and reclaim his title, he won't want to miss out on the oppotuntiy to fight in the trilogy immediately

What do you think Merab Dvalishvili should do in 2026? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know with a comment down below.

Should Merab Dvalishvili Slow Down in 2026?

A big Middleweight matchup is reportedly being in the works for UFC 326 on March 7th in Las Vegas. Top contenders Caio Borralho and Reinier de Ridder are set to face off, according to Leo Guimaraes MMA.

**Borralho Looking to Bounce Back**

Caio Borralho (17-2, 1 NC) suffered his first loss in the UFC in September when he dropped a decision to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Paris. Before that, the lead Fighting Nerd was undefeated in the octagon with an 8-0 record and wins over notable names like Jared Cannonier, Paul Craig, and Abus Magomedov. The Fighting Nerds product was on the verge of a title shot before the setback, so he'll be looking to restart his climb to the title.

**De Ridder's Momentum Halted**

Reinier de Ridder (21-3) also saw his first UFC loss in October when his corner stopped the fight before the fifth round against Brendan Allen. The former ONE Championship double champ had gone 4-0 in just nine months with wins over Robert Whittaker, Bo Nickal, Kevin Holland, and Gerald Meerschaert. However, he was soundly beaten by Brendan Allen in Canada and couldn't make the call for the fifth and final round.

Both fighters need a win to re-establish themselves at the top of the Middleweight division. The matchup pits Borralho's well-rounded game against de Ridder's unorthodox grappling and finishing ability, with the winner likely setting themself up with a title eliminator later in the year.

What do you make of this matchup, and who do you think comes out on top? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know with a comment down below.

Caio Borralho vs. Reinier de Ridder in the Works for UFC 326

Douglas Vegas Bets

The UFC is live from the Apex for the final time in 2025 for a card headlined by a Flyweight showdown between Brandon Royval and Manel Kape. Follow along with the card's results as they happen, right here.

## Prelims

## Flyweight Bout: Tereza Bleda vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth

**Result:** Jamey-Lyn Horth def. Tereza Bleda via TKO (Punches) Round 1, 2:05

## Heavyweight Bout: Allen Frye vs. Guilherme Pat

**Result:** Guilherme Pat def. Allen Frye via Decision (Unanimous) (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Round 3, 5:00

## Bantamweight Bout: Luana Santos vs. Melissa Croden

**Result:** Luana Santos def. Melissa Croden via Decision (Unanimous) (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) Round 3, 5:00

## Heavyweight Bout: Sean Sharaf vs. Steven Asplund

**Result:** Steven Asplund def. Sean Sharaf via TKO (Punches) Round 2, 3:49

## Featherweight Bout: Joanderson Brito vs. Isaac Thomson

**Result:** Joanderson Brito def. Isaac Thomson via Decision (Unanimous) (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Round 3, 5:00

## Welterweight Bout: Neil Magny vs. Yaroslav Amosov

**Result:** Yaroslav Amosov def. Neil Magny via Submission (Anadonca Choke) Round 1, 3:14

## Main Card

## Catchweight Bout: King Green vs. Lance Gibson Jr.

**Result:** King Green def. Lance Gibson Jr. via Decision (Split) (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) Round 3, 5:00

## Heavyweight Bout: Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Marcus Buchecha

**Result:** Draw (Unanimous) (28-28, 28-28, 28-28) Round 3, 5:00

## Featherweight Bout: Morgan Charrière vs. Melquizael Costa

**Result:** Melquizael Costa def. Morgan Charrière via KO (Head Kick) Round 1, 1:14

## Middleweight Bout: Cesar Almeida vs. Cezary Oleksiejczuk

**Result:** Cezary Oleksiejczuk def, Cesar Almeida via Decision (Unanimous) (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Round 3, 5:00

## Featherweight Bout: Giga Chikadze vs. Kevin Vallejos

**Result:** Kevin Vallejos def. Giga Chikadze via KO (Spinning Backfist and Elbows) Round 2, 1:29

## Flyweight Bout: Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape

**Result:** Manel Kape def. Brandon Royval via TKO (Punches) Round 1, 3:18

UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape Results

The fighters competing at PFL Lyon hit the scales on Friday ahead of Saturday's event at the LDLC Arena in Lyon, France. Two world championship fights headline the card, with all fighters successfully making weight. Full results below.

## Main Card

**PFL Heavyweight Championship:** Vadim Nemkov (**241.9 lbs**) vs. Renan Ferreira (**258.8 lbs**)

**PFL Women's Featherweight Championship:** Cris Cyborg (**144.6 lbs**) vs. Sara Collins (**144.6 lbs**)

**Welterweight:** Patrick Habirora (**171 lbs**) vs. Kevin Jousset (**170.5 lbs**)

**Bantamweight:** Taylor Lapilus (**135.9 lbs**) vs. Liam Gittins (**136 lbs**)

**Featherweight:** Asaël Adjoudj (?) vs. Fred Dupras (?)

## Prelims

**PFL Europe Bantamweight Final:** Baris Adiguzel (**134.9 lbs**) vs. Dean Garnett (**135.9 lbs**)

**PFL Europe Lightweight Final:** Connor Hughes (**155.9 lbs**) vs. Aleksandr Chizov (**156 lbs**)

**Light Heavyweight:** Boris Atangana (**205.9 lbs**) vs. Guilherme Soares (**205.4 lbs**)

**Bantamweight:** Gustavo Oliveira (**136 lbs**) vs. Movsar Ibragimov (**135.9 lbs**)

**Women's Flyweight:** Paulina Wiśniewska (**125.9 lbs**) vs. Sabrinna de Sousa (**126 lbs**)

What are your predictions for the two championship fights? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know with a comment down below.

PFL Lyon: Nemkov vs. Ferreira Weigh-In Results

The UFC is on for a final time this year tomorrow, from the UFC Apex, with Flyweights Brandon Royval and Manel Kape headlining. The official weigh-ins took place today, here are the results.

## Main Card

**Flyweight:** Brandon Royval (126) vs. Manel Kape (126)

**Featherweight:** Giga Chikadze (146) vs. Kevin Vallejos (145)

**Middleweight:** Cesar Almeida (186) vs. Cezary Oleksiejczuk (185.5)

**Featherweight:** Morgan Charrière (145.5) vs. Melquizael Costa (145.5)

**Heavyweight:** Kennedy Nzechukwu (243) vs. Marcus Buchecha (251.5)

**Catchweight:** King Green (158.5) vs. Lance Gibson Jr. (158.5)

## Prelims

**Strawweight:** Amanda Lemos (115.5) vs. Gillian Robertson (116)

**Featherweight:** Joanderson Brito (145.5) vs. Isaac Thomson (146)

**Welterweight:** Neil Magny (171) vs. Yaroslav Amosov (171)

**Heavyweight:** Sean Sharaf (251) vs. Steven Asplund (261)

**Bantamweight:** Luana Santos (136) vs. Melissa Croden (136)

**Heavyweight:** Allen Frye (242) vs. Guilherme Pat (238)

**Flyweight:** Tereza Bleda (126) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (126)

UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape Weigh-In Results

Former UFC Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno has reportedly booked his next fight against rising contender Asu Almabayev for February 28th at UFC Mexico. The matchup was first reported by Vestnik MMA and comes less than a week after Moreno's loss at UFC 323.

**Brandon Moreno vs. Asu Almabayev Is In The Works for UFC Mexico**

Moreno (23-8-2) sits at #4 in the UFC Flyweight rankings, coming off a second-round TKO loss to Tatsuro Taira last Saturday. Many fans deemed the stoppage early, with Moreno publicly expressing his frustration with the result. Before the Taira fight, Moreno carried a two-fight win streak with decisive victories over former title challenger Steve Erceg and Amir Albazi.

Currently ranked #7, Asu Almabayev (21-2) joined the UFC in 2023 and earned a Performance of the Night bonus in his debut by submitting Ode Osbourne. The Kazakhstani fighter secured three straight wins over CJ Vergara, Jose Johnson, and Matheus Nicolau before suffering his first promotional loss to Manel Kape in March. Almabayev has since rebounded, scoring a decision over Jose Ochoa in July before submitting Alex Perez in November.

As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know your thoughts and predictions down below.


Brandon Moreno Eyes Rebound Against Asu Almabayev at UFC Mexico

It has been confirmed that a Bantamweight matchup between Mario Bautista and Vinicius Oliveira will headline a card from the Apex early next year. This fight is scheduled for February 7th at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. First reported by Ag Fight.

## Announcement: Mario Bautista vs. Vinicius Oliveira, Bantamweight Main Event

This will be the first time headlining an event for both men, with Bautista coming in off a decision loss to Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 321. Oliveira, meanwhile, comes into this off a decision win over Kyler Phillips at UFC 318, where he moved to four wins with no losses in the UFC.

## Full Card

Mario Bautista vs. Vinicius Oliveira, Bantamweight

Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Marc-Andre Barriault, Middleweight

Who are you picking in this fun Bantamweight showdown? Let us know in the comments.

Mario Bautista vs. Vinicius Oliveira Booked for Apex Main Event

PFL Lyon takes place this Saturday, December 13, at the LDLC Arena in Lyon, France. The card features two world championship fights headlining a stacked international card. Here's a breakdown of the key matchups.

**Main Event: Vadim Nemkov vs. Renan Ferreira (PFL Heavyweight World Championship)**

Vadim Nemkov (19-2, 1 NC) puts his heavyweight championship on the line against Brazilian knockout artist Renan Ferreira (13-4).Nemkov, a former Bellator Champion and protégé of Fedor Emelianenko, combines precision striking with dangerous grappling, recording ten knockouts and five submissions. His recent dominance includes a submission of Bruno Cappelozza and a quick finish of Tim Johnson.

Ferreira has a huge size and reach advantage, with eleven of his thirteen wins coming by knockout. The 2024 PFL tournament champion seeks to rebound from his TKO loss to Francis Ngannou last October. This stylistic clash pits Nemkov's well-rounded approach against Ferreira's devastating finishing power.

**Co-Main Event: Cris Cyborg vs. Sara Collins (PFL Women's Featherweight World Championship)**

Legendary fighter Cris Cyborg (28-2, 1 NC) defends against undefeated Australian Sara Collins (6-0). Cyborg has captured titles in Strikeforce, UFC, Bellator, and Invicta, with 23 stoppage victories built on ferocious striking and relentless pressure. She most recently defeated Larissa Pacheco at PFL's Battle of the Giants in October, before taking multiple fights in Boxing. She makes her MMA return at 40 years old this Saturday.

Collins enters her toughest test yet, having never been past the first round professionally. She earned this opportunity by submitting Leah McCourt in her Bellator debut. The undefeated contender faces a massive experience gap but brings youth and momentum against the 40-year-old icon.

**Taylor Lapilus vs. Liam Gittins (Bantamweight)**

French veteran Taylor Lapilus (22-4) takes on England's Liam Gittins (13-4, 1 NC) in a Bantamweight matchup.Lapilus brings extensive European experience and home crowd advantage to this featured bout. Gittins, known for his durability and pace, aims to spoil the party and secure a statement win on foreign soil.Patrick Habirora vs. Kevin Jousset (Welterweight)

**Patrick Habirora vs. Kevin Jousset (Welterweight)**

Undefeated Belgian prospect Patrick Habirora (7-0) faces former UFC French contender Kevin Jousset (10-4) in a Welterweight clash. Habirora's perfect record meets the submission threat of Jousset's judo background. 
Habirora is a firm favorite, coming off a first-round KO against Danny Roberts. This will be Jousset's first fight in the PFL, following back-to-back losses in the UFC to Bryan Battle and Jonathan Micallef.

PFL Lyon: Nemkov vs. Ferreira Preview

The UFC is at the Apex for one final event in 2025 this weekend, with Flyweights Brandon Royval and Manel Kape headlining. At today's media day, fighters shared thoughts and answered questions about their matchups. Here are the key points from their interviews.

## Brandon Royval Expects Another Exciting Fight

Talking about how he feels the fight this weekend with Manel Kape will play out, Royval calmly referenced his past of always putting on a show, making it clear that he is not only prepared but expecting another classic battle inside the octagon.


>“I don’t have this many fight of the nights for no reason.” - Brandon Royval

Royval already holds the Flyweight record for Fight of the Night bonuses with five, and he will be looking to add a sixth to his resume this weekend.

## Manel Kape Feels Close to Title Despite Setbacks

When asked how he feels this year has gone for him, Kape was positive, discussing the injury that forced him out of the first time this matchup with Brandon Royval was booked earlier this year, and saying he is still happy with how his career has gone.


>“I could have been the man fighting for the belt last Saturday. I know my time is coming.” - Manel Kape

With an impressive victory this weekend, Kape could reestablish himself as a top name to watch in title contention.

UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape Media Day Highlights

The UFC is in the Apex for one final time this year as Flyweights Brandon Royval and Manel Kape square off in the main event. I went over every fight on the card to give my predictions and bets, including the Underdog Best Bet of the Week, so let's get into it.

**Odds provided by Duelbits accurate as of 12/9/2025**

## Brandon Royval +210 vs. Manel Kape -270

Top-ranked Flyweights square off in this main event, looking to push towards a title shot. Brandon Royval is an all-action fighter with a slick submission game and high-volume boxing. Manel Kape is a lightning-fast kickboxer who has shown solid defensive grappling, though he can be low-output at times if his opponent doesn’t pressure him.

I’ve got Kape here as I feel his counter-striking style makes Royval the perfect matchup to land big shots and showcase his skills.

**Prediction:** Kape by 3rd Round TKO

## Giga Chikadze +230 vs. Kevin Vallejos -294

Fun matchup here in our Featherweight co-main event. Giga Chikadze is a kickboxer with deadly body kicks and good durability, though his grappling and defence have been exploited. Kevin Vallejos is a fast-rising prospect with fantastic technical boxing and an evolving ground game.

I like Vallejos here, as he is the younger, more well-rounded fighter who is defensively responsible and durable enough to survive any early adversity on the feet and push through to take over in the later rounds.

**Prediction:** Vallejos by Decision

## Cesar Almeida +170 vs. Cezary Oleksiejczuk -208

Middleweight strikers collide in this interesting clash. Cesar Almeida is a former kickboxer who has transitioned to MMA and shown his striking skills, though his takedown defence has been an issue. Cezary Oleksiejczuk makes his debut here off a fast knockout win on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he continued to display very dangerous striking, which has helped him earn three straight first-round knockouts.

I’m taking Almeida here, as this should be a striking match that makes his grappling issues irrelevant, and he has UFC experience. With that, Cesar Almeida is this week’s Underdog Best Bet of the Week.

**Prediction:** Almeida by Decision **Bet:** Almeida MoneyLine

## Morgan Charrière -115 vs. Melquizael Costa -106

Featherweights looking to continue their momentum in this main card scrap. Morgan Charriere is a skilled striker with deadly knockout power, as he showed with his third-round finish of Nate Landwehr last time out. Melquizael Costa looks to extend his four-fight win streak here as he competes for the fourth time this year with his strong grappling and slick submission skills.

I lean towards Charriere here as I see him as the cleaner and more damaging striker, while I trust his grappling enough to keep this mainly a striking match.

**Prediction:** Charriere by Decision

## Kennedy Nzechukwu -128 vs. Marcus Buchecha +105

Heavyweights look to get things on track and begin climbing the ranks. Kennedy Nzechukwu is a dangerous striker who has had all three of his fights at this weight end in the first round, although the last time out that meant getting submitted by Valter Walker in under a minute. Marcus Buchecha is a skilled grappler who transitioned to MMA and struggled in his first UFC bout against Martin Buday, where his cardio let him down.

I’ll go with Buchecha to get a submission here, as we saw Nzechukwu struggle to defend grappling in his last outing, and now he is facing a world-class submission artist.

**Prediction:** Buchecha by 1st Round Submission **Bet:** Buchecha by Submission

## Amanda Lemos +155 vs. Gillian Robertson -189

Ranked Strawweights square off in this clash of styles. Amanda Lemos is a former title challenger with a dangerous striking game, although she is now thirty-eight and has still shown a weakness against grapplers. Gillian Robertson is a dominant grappler who comes in having won her last four fights, including two ground-and-pound stoppages.

I see Robertson’s advantage on the ground proving too much for Lemos to overcome.

**Prediction:** Robertson via Decision

## Joanderson Brito -270 vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan +215

Dangerous Featherweight finishers face off in this can’t-miss matchup. Joanderson Brito is a stocky powerhouse of a fighter with serious power in his hands, looking to bounce back from two decision losses in which his grappling was exploited. Melsik Baghdasaryan is a fast kickboxer who has struggled with consistent activity in recent years.

Brito should take care of this one, as he is the fighter much more likely to find a finish, and he holds the grappling upside in this, unlike his last fight.

**Prediction:** Brito by Decision

## Neil Magny +300 vs. Yaroslav Amosov -400

Two veterans square off in this Welterweight matchup, with a top talent from outside the UFC looking to enter the ranks. Neil Magny is a very experienced grappler who keeps a high pace and uses his length well on the ground. Yaroslav Amosov is a former Bellator champion who holds a strong wrestling game and comes in off a first-round submission win.

I’ll go with Amosov here, as he has the wrestling skills to control this fight, and I don’t see Magny's pressure affecting him, given his experience outside the UFC.

**Prediction:** Amosov by Decision

## Sean Sharaf +170 vs. Steven Asplund -213

Fast-finishing Heavyweights collide in this prelim matchup. Sean Sharaf is a dangerous but inexperienced finisher who returns after over a year away following his debut loss to Junior Tafa. Steven Asplund comes in off a fast knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series this year in a fight where he was a sizeable underdog.

I’ll pick Sharaf here as neither man has proven much other than they are dangerous early, so I’ll take the underdog in a highly volatile matchup.

**Prediction:** Sharaf by 1st Round TKO

## Luana Santos -128 vs. Melissa Croden +105

Bantamweights coming off finish victories face off in this one. Luana Santos is a strong grappler with a solid submission game, having finished two of her last three opponents on the ground. Melissa Croden is a well-rounded fighter who keeps the pressure on her opponents and comes in off a strong debut where she scored a late finish over Tainara Lisboa.

I’ll go with Santos here, given her UFC experience and the fact that Croden has never won a fight by decision in her career, which is concerning.

**Prediction:** Santos by Decision

## Allen Frye +137 vs. Guilherme Pat -169

Debuting Heavyweights square off here early on the card. Allen Frye is a fast finisher who has ended all six of his professional fights by knockout. Guilherme Pat is also an undefeated finisher, having finished four of his five opponents, and he has a tall, long frame that he uses well.

I like Pat here, as he has more octagon time in his career and has looked like a cleaner striker.

**Prediction:** Pat by 2nd Round TKO

## Tereza Bleda -149 vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth +122

Flyweights collide here to open the card. Tereza Bleda is a young, well-rounded fighter with an impressive record, having demonstrated solid finishing skills and losing only to top-ranked Natalia Silva. Jamey-Lyn Horth is a big, strong fighter at the weight, with a solid wrestling game and decent striking.

I lean towards the younger and more well-rounded Bleda in this one.

**Prediction:** Bleda by Decision