UFC 316: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley 2: Live round-by-round updates
Merab Dvalishvili fires up a familiar rivalry against Sean O’Malley in a rematch that serves as the marquee attraction of UFC 316. The bantamweight title is on the line in this high-stakes rematch at the Prudential Center, with both men carrying lessons from their first encounter into the cage.
Dvalishvili rides a wave of momentum, having outlasted and overwhelmed a string of elite opponents. His gas tank, work rate, and unshakeable belief in his style make him one of the division’s toughest puzzles to solve.
O’Malley, coming off his first loss in eight fights, returns to the cage looking to flip the script against Dvalishvili. He struggled to find rhythm in their first meeting at UFC 306, but strung together enough action late to keep the intrigue alive.
Now fully healed from an injury that hampered him in their initial clash, O’Malley returns with redemption in mind. The dynamic striker will need to manage range better and disrupt the champion’s forward march if he hopes to reclaim momentum.
Don’t miss a moment of UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs O’Malley 2, live from Prudential Center on June 7. Prelims kick off at 8 pm ET, main card at 10 pm ET. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live round-by-round updates.
Round 1
O'Malley pressures Dvalishvili against the cage and opens with a spinning back kick to the body. A lot of feints from O'Malley early on. Nice step back left straight from O'Malley. Dvalishvili counters with a left check hook. The Georgian is forcing a retreat from O'Malley, trying to close the distance. Straight left hand from O'Malley. Front kick to the midsection from O'Malley. Dvalishvili shoots for the takedown and gets it. O'Malley gets back on his feet immediately. O'Malley slips in an attempt to land the flying knee as they separate for a brief sequence. Dvalishvili shoots again and gets the takedown. Solid ground-and-pound from Dvalishvili to close the round.
Our Score: 10-9 Dvalishvili
Round 2
Dvalishvili gets back on the offense and lands a solid combination on O'Malley. Good right hand from O'Malley on the retreat. Dvalishvili is getting comfortable in the range, stringing together some combinations. O'Malley stuffs a takedown attempt from his rival. This fight has been non-stop action so far. Staggering left hand from O'Malley and Dvalishvili counters with a straight right.
Dvalishivili hits O'Malley with a stinging two-punch combination and shoots for the takedown immediately. O'Malley reverses the position and lands two strong punches. He lands a spinning elbow and invites a fiery exchange on the feet.
Our Score: 10-9 Dvalishvili (20-18 overall)
Round 3
Dvalishvili shoots for two takedowns and gets one in the second attempt. He's on top now while O'Malley is trying to secure a hip escape. Dvalishvili lands solid ground-and-pound strikes. Beautiful elbows on the guard from Dvalishvili. O'Malley does a great job of getting back to his feet, but Dvalishvili gets him back down with a body clinch. He lands knees to the midsection and forces the submission out of O'Malley. What a performance!
Official Result
Merab Dvalishvili defeats Sean O'Malley by submission at the 4:42 mark of the third round.