The final UFC pay-per-view event of the ESPN era showcased an exciting night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where two new champions emerged. Highlighted by Petr Yan's stunning comeback victory to reclaim his title after a challenging losing streak, the event also featured significant performances from Tatsuro Taira, who defeated former champion Brandon Moreno, and Joshua Van, who won the flyweight title through an injury TKO against Alexandra Pantoja. Payton Talbott triumphed in his battle against Henry Cejudo, marking a pivotal moment in the bantamweight landscape as Cejudo announced his retirement. The event sets the stage for upcoming title challenges and reshaping the divisions.

By the Numbers
  • Petr Yan achieved three consecutive victories before reclaiming the UFC title.
  • Tatsuro Taira defeated Brandon Moreno via second-round TKO in his biggest UFC fight yet.
State of Play
  • Petr Yan's victory reinstated him as a top contender after overcoming a three-fight losing streak.
  • Joshua Van's title win came under unconventional circumstances, raising questions about his legitimacy as champion.
  • Tatsuro Taira is positioned as a likely challenger for Van’s title, with a potential matchup expected in Japan.
What's Next

The UFC's bantamweight and flyweight divisions may see rapid changes, with emerging contenders like Taira aiming for the championship. Future matchups should clarify the competitive landscape, especially with Van's title defense looming against Taira. Additionally, Talbott's rise could shift the rankings significantly in 2026.

Bottom Line

This event exemplified the spirit of MMA's unpredictability, with significant title changes and fresh faces emerging as contenders. Fighters like Yan and Taira have reinvigorated championship narratives, while Van and Talbott's victories showcase the evolving talent within the divisions. Fans can expect thrilling matchups ahead that may redefine the champions of tomorrow.