The UFC returns to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, for UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2, headlined by a pair of title fights. In the main event, Merab Dvalishvili looks to make his second defense of the bantamweight title he won last September in a rematch against Sean O’Malley. In the co-main event, women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Peña faces off against two-time Olympic judo gold medalist Kayla Harrison.
Merab Dvalishvili (c) def. Sean O’Malley via unanimous decision submission (ninja choke) at 4:42 of Round 3
Merab Dvalishvili continued his reign of dominance in the bantamweight division with a commanding third-round submission victory over former champion Sean O’Malley, marking his 13th consecutive win and second successful title defense.
The rematch, which took place Saturday night, was far more one-sided than their first meeting at UFC Noche in September, where Dvalishvili secured a competitive yet clear unanimous decision win. This time, he left no doubt. From the opening bell, Dvalishvili applied relentless pressure, dictating the pace and outlanding O’Malley on the feet. He landed 141 total strikes to O’Malley’s 38, converted five of twelve takedown attempts, and controlled the action on the ground with over six minutes of control time.
Dvalishvili’s blend of striking, wrestling, and cardio completely overwhelmed O’Malley, who struggled to find any offense. Late in the third round, after dragging O’Malley back to the canvas, Dvalishvili secured a D’Arce choke and forced the submission at 4:42, capping off another dominant performance.
This win marks Dvalishvili’s second title defense—his first came against Umar Nurmagomedov in January. Dvalishvili is building a compelling case as the greatest bantamweight of all time with his consistency and dominance over elite competition in the division.
Kayla Harrison def. Julianna Peña via submission (kimura) at 4:55 of Round 2
Kayla Harrison captured the women’s bantamweight title with a dominant second-round submission win over two-time champion Julianna Peña. It marked Harrison’s third straight victory and her first UFC title, making her the second athlete in history alongside Henry Cejudo to win both Olympic gold and a UFC championship.
The two-time Olympic judo gold medalist controlled every second of the fight, taking Peña to the ground in the opening round and maintaining dominant top position. Peña was deducted a point after landing illegal upkicks while Harrison was grounded. In the second round, Harrison once again closed the distance, secured a takedown, and worked toward an arm triangle choke before transitioning to a kimura along the fence, forcing Peña to tap with just five seconds remaining in the round.
Harrison’s win further cements her legacy as one of the greatest combat athletes of all time. Immediately after the fight, former two-division champion Amanda Nunes, who announced her return from retirement earlier in the week, entered the Octagon. The two embraced and faced off, setting the stage for a blockbuster title fight later this year.
UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs O’Malley 2 Results
- Merab Dvalishvili def. Sean O’Malley via submission (ninja choke) at 4:42 of Round 3
- Kayla Harrison def. Julianna Peña via submission (kimura) at 4:55 of Round 2
- Joe Pyfer def. Kelvin Gastelum via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)
- Mario Bautista def. Patchy Mix via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
- Kevin Holland def. Vicente Luque via submission (D’arce choke) at 1:03 of Round 2
- Joshua Van def. Bruno Silva via TKO (strikers) at 4:01 of Round 3
- Azamat Murzakanov def. Brendson Ribeiro via TKO (strikes) at 3:25 of Round 1
- Waldo Cortes Acosta def. Serghei Spivac via unanimous decision (30-37, 29-28, 29-28)
- Andreas Gustafsson def. Khaos Williams via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
- Wang Cong def. Ariane da Silva via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- JooSang Yoo def. Jeka Saragih via KO (left hook) at 0:28 of Round 1
- Quillan Salkilld def. Yanal Ashmouz via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- MarQuel Mederos def. Mark Choinski via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
