Dvalishvili faced Sean O’Malley in a title rematch at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey in a fight that saw former champ O’Malley return to face the Georgian at 100 percent fitness after admitting he had fought with a torn labrum in his title loss to Dvalishvili at UFC 306 in September 2024.
But in the rematch, the champion asserted his dominance as Dvalishvili produced an even more impressive performance to hand O’Malley the first submission defeat of his career in a one-sided display that underscored his status as the UFC’s premier 135-pound athlete.
Stylistically, the fight played out as many had expected, with Dvalishvili applying the relentless forward pressure that has become his trademark in the UFC. But, unlike their first meeting, there were no openings for O’Malley to have any success of his own with his striking. Instead, Dvalishvili simply swarmed up and didn’t allow the former champion any room to work.
And in the third round, with Dvalishvili clearly en route to a decision victory, the Georgian backed up his pre-fight promise to go for the finish. He picked up O’Malley and slammed him hard to the canvas, and eventually moved into position to secure the finish via north-south choke.
It was a dominant, emphatic victory for Dvalishvili, who was elated when he chatted with Joe Rogan immediately after his win.
“First of all, Dana White, thank you so much to create this beautiful company and give me the best job in the world,” he shouted.
“I train, I eat healthy, and I’m on top of the world. I’m a world champion. I come from nothing, I’m so grateful to inspire so many young generations to show my example. It doesn’t matter what you have, as long as you know where you want to go, and you have a goal. So guys, please believe in your dreams and just follow it, work for it, and everything is possible, like I did. You can do it, too.
“He was well trained, he was well prepared, and I knew that. I knew he was gonna make changes, because every time I lost, I made big changes, and I learned from it.
“But, like you said, I’m getting better and better. I wasn’t showing this technique. I have more tools in my pocket I’m still working on, and little by little, I will show (you). Now it’s my time again.”
Rogan then said that Dvalishvili’s next test would likely see him go up against in-form contender Cory Sandhagen, who is next in line for a shot at the 135-pound title.
It’s a rematch that Dvalishvili was immediately enthusiastic about, with the Georgian delighted to be able to face a fighter who he clearly likes and respects.
“It’s the first time you put me in a position where I like the opponent!” he smiled.
“Corey, I love you, bro. I like your jokes lately. Keep joking, keep making a good fight, bro. You are the man, let’s go!
“Usually, I don’t like callouts from here, but he’s the most deserving guy. He’s been here so many times. He’s a really good guy, respectful guy. I like his jokes, too!”
UFC 316: Official results
MAIN CARD
- Merab Dvalishvili def. Sean O’Malley via submission (north-south choke) – Round 3, 4:42 – for bantamweight title
- Kayla Harrison def. Julianna Pena via submission (Kimura) – Round 2, 4:55 – for women’s bantamweight title
- Joe Pyfer def. Kelvin Gastelum via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 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) – Round 2, 1:03
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Joshua Van def. Bruno Silva via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 4:01
- Azamat Murzakanov def. Brendson Ribeiro via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:25
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Serghei Spivac via decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Andreas Gustafsson def. Khaos Williams (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
EARLY PRELIMS
- Wang Cong def. Ariane da Silva via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Joo-Sang Yoo def. Jeka Saragih via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 0:28
- 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)
