UFC 323 Results: Why Our Merab Pick Was Dead Wrong (And AJ Called Van)
UFC 323 closed out 2025 with two title changes that will reshape the bantamweight and flyweight divisions. Petr Yan reclaimed the championship he lost four years ago with a decisive decision over Merab Dvalishvili — a result that proved the Ringside Report crew wrong on their biggest pick of the night. Meanwhile, Joshua Van became the second-youngest UFC champion in history after Alexandre Pantoja suffered a devastating arm injury just 26 seconds into their fight — a result AJ D’Alesio called on Thursday’s preview. Here’s the full breakdown plus our predictions report card.
Netflix Buys Warner Bros: What It Really Means for AEW and WWE Broadcasting
Netflix buying Warner Bros Discovery represents the biggest media consolidation in decades, and the wrestling world immediately panicked about AEW’s future. But is the sky really falling?
With WWE secured on Netflix through 2035 and AEW currently on Warner Bros’ TBS, TNT, and HBO Max, the proposed deal splits AEW’s distribution between Netflix (streaming) and Discovery Global (linear cable). The internet declared AEW finished. Dave Simon from Wrestling Uncensored pushed back hard.
The reality: AEW has a guaranteed contract through 2027, Netflix could easily afford both wrestling companies, and Canadian broadcast rights remain completely stable. The three-year, $555 million AEW deal costs a fraction of WWE’s $5 billion Netflix contract. Multiple streaming platforms could accommodate AEW when rights expire in 2028. Panic is premature.
Gunther Wins John Cena Tournament: Ring General Earns Final Match Spot
Gunther ending John Cena’s career isn’t just the right call — it’s the smartest booking decision WWE has made in years. When the Ring General pinned LA Knight clean on SmackDown to earn the WrestleMania match, some fans immediately called for Cody Rhodes or Randy Orton in that spot. They’re missing the point entirely. Cena doesn’t need a nostalgia match against someone he’s already beaten a dozen times. He needs to put over the future of the company on the way out, and Gunther is exactly that guy. Here’s why WWE finally got a retirement storyline right and what it means for the Ring General’s legacy.
Boxing Sanctioning Bodies Under Fire: Crawford Exposes the WBC System
Terence Crawford just declared war on boxing sanctioning bodies, and the timing couldn’t be more strategic. The pound-for-pound king isn’t just complaining about the WBC — he’s exposing how alphabet organizations drain hundreds of thousands per fight through sanctioning fees while offering fighters nothing but manufactured prestige. The mandatory challenger system? Politically manipulated. The rankings? Influenced by promotional connections and mysterious “fees.” Crawford’s already secured financial freedom and unified welterweight, which means he can afford to burn these bridges. Within two years, we’ll see either legitimate reform driven by elite fighters or Saudi money completely bypassing traditional sanctioning bodies.
UFC 323: Merab’s Historic Fourth Title Defense Against Undefeated Umar
UFC 323 goes down tomorrow night with Merab Dvalishvili attempting something no UFC champion has ever done – defending his title four times in a single calendar year. The Georgian champion faces former champion Petr Yan in a highly anticipated rematch at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, marking the UFC’s last pay-per-view event before the new Paramount+ deal takes effect in 2026.
The co-main event features Alexandre Pantoja defending his flyweight championship against 24-year-old rising star Joshua Van. Plus Brandon Moreno vs Tatsuro Taira, Henry Cejudo’s potential retirement fight, and Jan Błachowicz vs Bogdan “The Goose” Guskov.
Ringside Report MMA hosts Dave Simon and AJ D’Alesio provide expert predictions including Dave’s three-fight parlay: Merab, Payton Talbott, and “The Goose” Guskov.
AEW vs WWE Gap Widening Heading to 2026? Why Khan’s Claims Don’t Match Reality
Deep dive into actual viewership, attendance, and revenue metrics shows the real gap between AEW and WWE in 2025. Tony Khan’s claims don’t match the numbers.
Georgian Judo MMA: Grip Fighting To Dominate the UFC
Lasha Bekauri’s comments about Georgian judo MMA applications reveal the technical blueprint for next-generation grapplers. The Georgian grip—that high, collar-dominant control—isn’t just about throws. It’s about dictating engagement, breaking posture, and systematic standing control that translates to cage work. While MMA coaches teach individual techniques, Georgian judokas train comprehensive gripping systems that solve multiple problems simultaneously. Within three years, a Georgian judoka will debut in the UFC and dominate through clinch control current fighters can’t match. Here’s why Georgian judo represents MMA’s next grappling evolution.
Black Belt Slams Traditional BJJ Warm-Ups: Why This Will Split the Sport
Traditional BJJ warm-ups are under fire after a prominent black belt called them a “complete waste of time,” exposing a philosophical divide in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu between cultural tradition and athletic optimization. The debate goes deeper than training methods – it challenges BJJ’s identity as it evolves from martial art to competitive sport. Traditionalists argue warm-ups build discipline, respect, and cultural connection to lineage. Efficiency advocates cite sports science showing sport-specific preparation produces better performance. The split will define modern BJJ: traditional academies maintaining cultural practices versus competition-focused schools prioritizing results. Hybrid approaches combining both will likely dominate elite competition within three years.
The Diaz Brothers Curse: How Personal Drama Destroys MMA Legacies
The Diaz brothers’ financial problems aren’t bad luck – they’re the predictable result of choosing authenticity over business sense. From burned UFC bridges to failed support systems, here’s how Nick and Nate’s greatest strength became the curse destroying their legacies and bank accounts.
WWE Survivor Series 2025 War Games Preview: Brock Lesnar’s Challenge
WWE Survivor Series 2025 War Games takes over Petco Park in San Diego with an outdoor setup that hasn’t been attempted in over two decades. Dave Simon and Johnny North broke down the entire four-match card on Wrestling Uncensored, and they’re not exactly sold on the value proposition for fans who paid hundreds of dollars to attend.
The centerpiece is Brock Lesnar in War Games – a format that doesn’t suit his typical in-and-out style. The babyface team of Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Jey Uso faces Lesnar, Drew McIntyre, Logan Paul, Solo Sikoa, and Tama Tonga. Meanwhile, Charlotte Flair leads the women’s War Games match after earning the advantage on SmackDown.
The hosts also discussed AEW’s Samoa Joe becoming the new World Champion and the state of professional wrestling heading into the final weeks of 2025.