A Look at UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2
Tonight, the Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, for UFC 316, a pay-per-view event headlined by two explosive bantamweight title fights. The main event features a highly anticipated rematch between current UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili and former champion Sean O’Malley. Their first encounter at UFC 306 in September 2024 saw Dvalishvili dethrone O’Malley via unanimous decision, showcasing his relentless pace and grappling prowess. Since then, the Georgian champion has solidified his reign with a strong title defense against Umar Nurmagomedov in January. O’Malley, known for his flashy striking and charismatic persona, has been sidelined since the loss, claiming injuries impacted his performance in the first fight. He’s now back, determined to reclaim the 135-pound belt and prove he’s the division’s true kingpin. Expect a clash of styles, with Dvalishvili’s pressure and wrestling facing off against O’Malley’s precision and reach advantage in what promises to be a thrilling five-round battle.
The co-main event delivers another championship showdown, this time in the women’s bantamweight division, as two-time champion Julianna Peña defends her title against Olympic gold medalist and former PFL standout Kayla Harrison. Peña, the first female winner of The Ultimate Fighter, reclaimed the belt in October 2024 with a gritty split decision over Raquel Pennington, marking her second reign as champion. Known for her tenacity and wrestling-heavy approach, Peña faces a formidable challenge in Harrison, a two-time Olympic judo gold medalist and one of the most dominant forces to enter the UFC. Harrison earned her title shot with decisive wins over UFC veterans Ketlen Vieira and Holly Holm, displaying improved striking alongside her elite grappling. Oddsmakers see Harrison as a heavy favorite, but Peña’s heart and unorthodox style could make this a closer contest than the betting lines suggest. A victory for Harrison would mark a historic moment, making her one of the few to hold both an Olympic gold and a UFC title.
Beyond the title fights, UFC 316’s main card is stacked with intriguing matchups. In the middleweight division, Kelvin Gastelum takes on Joe Pyfer in a rescheduled bout that pits Gastelum’s experience against Pyfer’s raw power and finishing ability. The bantamweight division gets another spotlight with former Bellator champion Patchy Mix making his UFC debut on short notice against the streaking Mario Bautista. Mix, a submission specialist with evolved striking, aims to make a statement, while Bautista looks to extend his seven-fight unbeaten run. Rounding out the main card, welterweights Vicente Luque and Kevin Holland promise a fan-friendly scrap, with Holland’s unorthodox striking meeting Luque’s relentless pressure. The prelims and early prelims also feature notable names, including flyweight prospect Joshua Van against Bruno Silva and undefeated light heavyweight Azamat Murzakanov facing Brendson Ribeiro.
The action kicks off early tonight, with the early prelims starting at 6:00 PM ET, followed by the prelims at 8:00 PM ET, and the main card airing live on ESPN+ PPV at 10:00 PM ET. The Prudential Center, home to the New Jersey Devils, sets the stage for a night of high stakes, redemption, and potential breakout moments. Will Merab Dvalishvili solidify his reign, or can Sean O’Malley reclaim bantamweight glory? Can Julianna Peña defy the odds again, or will Kayla Harrison’s dominance carry her to the title? Tune in tonight to witness the answers unfold in the Octagon.
