After a lackluster pay-per-view, the UFC returns with a bang. This weekend, bantamweight champ Merab Dvalishvili defends his title for the second time against Sean O’Malley, the man he dethroned. Merab’s relentless pressure meets O’Malley’s precision striking in a high-stakes rematch. Can Merab cement his reign, or will ‘Suga’ Sean reclaim the gold? With buzz building around this big showdown, here’s a quick preview and prediction of what each fighter brings to UFC 316.
UFC 316 Preview and Predictions
Merab Dvalishvili has a dominant presence in the UFC with a professional record of 19-4. Though known more for his relentless pace than finishing power, he holds 3 wins by TKO and 1 by submission. Notably, Merab hasn’t lost a fight in over seven years, with his last defeat coming against Ricky Simon in 2018. Since then, he’s gone on an incredible run, defeating elite names like Henry Cejudo, Jose Aldo, and others, solidifying his status as a top-tier bantamweight contender.
On the other hand, O’Malley also holds an impressive 18-2 record, and he’s known for his knockout power and precision striking. With 12 wins by TKO and 1 by submission, O’Malley has a solid 72% finish rate. While he’s coming off a tough loss, his resume includes dominant victories over elite names like Petr Yan and Marlon Vera. ‘Suga’ Sean’s flashy style, sharp timing, and knockout ability make him one of the most dangerous and entertaining fighters in the bantamweight division.
Looking ahead, if O’Malley stuffs the takedowns and keeps the fight standing, he could give Merab serious problems. But based on past performances—especially against fighters like Umar Nurmagomedov—Merab continues to overwhelm opponents with pressure. For now, Merab looks set to defend his title with a hard-earned decision win.
Merab Dvalishvili Vs. Sean O’Malley Event Details
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
UFC 316 takes place on June 7, 2025, at the iconic Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This rematch promises fireworks as two of the bantamweight division’s biggest names clash once again for championship gold. While the bantamweight title rematch headlines the card, the entire event is stacked with big names and fan favorites, making it one of the most anticipated cards of the year.
The fight night features stars like Kayla Harrison, Patchy Mix, and many more across multiple weight classes. Early Prelims begin at 6:30 pm ET, available on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass. Prelims start at 8 pm ET on ESPN and ESPN+, with the Main Card airing exclusively on ESPN+ PPV at 10 pm ET. International viewers should check UFC Fight Pass availability in their region.
