Merab Dvalishvili retained his UFC bantamweight championship in dominant fashion on Saturday night, submitting former champion Sean O’Malley in the third round of their rematch at UFC 316, held at the Prudential Center.
With US President Donald Trump watching from cageside, Dvalishvili (20-4 MMA) showcased his relentless wrestling and cardio to dismantle O’Malley (18-3 MMA), eventually securing a modified choke at 4:42 of the third round. It marked the Georgian’s 13th consecutive victory, further cementing his place among the division’s all-time greats.
“I’m ready for what’s next,” Dvalishvili said post-fight, expressing interest in facing top contender Cory Sandhagen (18-5 MMA), who has won four of his last five bouts. “You’re the man, let’s go,” he added, calling out the American in the Octagon.
The defeat was a second consecutive loss for O’Malley to Dvalishvili, having dropped the title to him last September by unanimous decision. Despite the setback, O’Malley remained optimistic. “One hundred percent, thank you guys for coming out,” he told the crowd.
Harrison Crowned New Women’s Bantamweight Champion
In the co-main event, Kayla Harrison claimed the women’s bantamweight title with a commanding performance over Julianna Pena. Harrison (19-1 MMA) forced a second-round submission via kimura, also known as a double wristlock or reverse keylock.
The American, visibly emotional post-fight, admitted she had contemplated quitting during a grueling weight cut earlier in the week. “I wanted to quit on Thursday night,” she revealed, “but I knew that would be a mistake. Most fighters never win a UFC title.”
After the victory, Harrison set her sights on former champion Amanda Nunes (23-5 MMA), who retired in 2023 but has hinted at a comeback. The two shared a face-off inside the Octagon, drawing a roar from the New Jersey crowd and sparking speculation about a possible super fight later this year.
Holland, Pyfer Impress on Main Card
Kevin Holland (28-13 MMA) kicked off the UFC 316 main card with an impressive submission win over Vicente Luque (23-11-1 MMA), locking in a D’Arce choke at 1:03 of the second round. Holland has now won three of his last five, as he seeks to re-establish himself in the welterweight title picture.
New Jersey’s own Luque, originally from Brazil, has now lost two of his last three outings.
In middleweight action, Joe Pyfer (14-3 MMA) earned a unanimous decision victory over veteran Kelvin Gastelum (19-10 MMA), with judges scoring the bout 29-28, 29-27, and 30-27 in Pyfer’s favour. The win marks Pyfer’s second straight victory, while Gastelum continues to struggle for form in the Octagon.
UFC 316 Results Summary:
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Merab Dvalishvili def. Sean O’Malley via submission (modified choke), Round 3 – 4:42
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Kayla Harrison def. Julianna Pena via submission (kimura), Round 2
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Kevin Holland def. Vicente Luque via submission (D’Arce choke), Round 2 – 1:03
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Joe Pyfer def. Kelvin Gastelum via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)
The night was a statement of dominance from champions old and new, and with the looming prospect of a Harrison–Nunes showdown and Dvalishvili’s hunt for legacy, UFC fans have much to anticipate in the months ahead.