UFC 316: Sean O’Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili Preview and Prediction

On June 7, 2025, the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, will host UFC 316, featuring a highly anticipated rematch for the bantamweight title between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. This matchup revisits their first clash at UFC 306, where Dvalishvili secured a decisive win and claimed the championship.

Fighter Overview

Sean O’Malley
O’Malley is known for his flashy striking and creative attacks, boasting a noticeable reach advantage and an impressive finishing rate. After capturing the bantamweight title with a stunning TKO victory over Aljamain Sterling, he defended it against Marlon Vera. However, his loss to Dvalishvili exposed a gap in his ability to defend takedowns. O’Malley has since undergone surgery to repair a torn labrum, which he cited as a factor in his UFC 306 loss.

Merab Dvalishvili
Nicknamed “The Machine,” Dvalishvili is renowned for his tireless energy and grappling mastery. Riding a 10-fight win streak, he has dismantled some hof the division’s best, including Jose Aldo and Petr Yan. His relentless takedowns and pressure nullified O’Malley’s striking in their first fight, cementing his place as champion.

Tale of the tape

Fighter	Sean O’Malley	Merab Dvalishvili
Record	18-1	17-4
Age	29	33
Height	5’11”	5’6″
Reach	72 inches	68 inches
Fighting Style	Striker	Freestyle Grappler
Finish Rate	72%	24%

Key Considerations

Striking vs. Grappling: O’Malley needs to keep the fight at range and leverage his striking, while Dvalishvili will aim to close the gap and dominate with grappling.
Pace and Stamina: Dvalishvili’s relentless pace can wear down even the most durable opponents, making the later rounds pivotal.
Improvements and Adjustments: O’Malley’s takedown defense and his recovery from surgery will be critical factors in determining his performance in the rematch.

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Prediction

While O’Malley’s striking is a constant threat, Dvalishvili’s ability to control the fight with his grappling and pace gives him the upper hand. Unless O’Malley has made significant strides in defending takedowns, Dvalishvili is likely to replicate his earlier success.

Prediction: Merab Dvalishvili by Unanimous Decision.