This content provides an overview of the main event bantamweight championship rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley at UFC 316, held Saturday in Newark, N.J.
Champion Merab Dvalishvili holds the No. 4 position in the UFC`s official Pound-for-Pound fighter rankings. His opponent, Sean O’Malley, is currently ranked at No. 19.
Dvalishvili (19-4) is making his second defense of the bantamweight title. His previous defense was a successful bout against the previously undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov in January. Merab originally captured the belt by defeating O’Malley via unanimous decision at UFC 306. The Georgian fighter is currently on an impressive 12-fight winning streak and aims for his 13th consecutive victory to further solidify his legacy with another strong performance against O’Malley.
For Sean O’Malley (18-2, 1 NC), this rematch represents a potentially defining moment for his aspirations to become champion. Known to fans as “Suga,” he has not competed since their first encounter nine months ago. During this period, O`Malley took time off to recover from hip surgery and implement significant lifestyle changes, including no longer consuming marijuana. Prior to facing Dvalishvili initially, O`Malley had won nine of his first eleven fights in the UFC. Now, he has a crucial second opportunity to overcome the man who previously defeated him.
Marcus Blakely