UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2 – The Complete Guide to MMA’s Most Anticipated Rematch

The Stage is Set: Bantamweight Gold on the Line
The UFC has officially confirmed that UFC 316 will feature a championship rematch between bantamweight king Sean “Suga” O’Malley (18-1) and top contender Merab Dvalishvili (17-4) on June 7, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This five-round main event headlines a stacked card that promises fireworks, airing live on ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET.

The Backstory: From Controversy to Championship
Their first meeting in 2023 ended with Dvalishvili winning a controversial decision, a result that has fueled O’Malley’s desire for redemption. Now with the 135-pound title at stake, this rematch carries significantly higher stakes:

• O’Malley’s 2nd title defense since winning the belt

• dvalishvili’s first UFC title shot after a 10-fight win streak

• A chance to settle one of MMA’s most debated decisions

UFC 316 Fight Card (Confirmed Bouts)
*Main Card (ESPN+ PPV – 10 p.m. ET)*
🏆 Main Event: Sean O’Malley (c) vs. Merab Dvalishvili – Bantamweight Title
🔥 Co-Main: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler – Welterweight
💥 Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira 2 – Light Heavyweight
🥊 Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Mario Bautista – Bantamweight

*Preliminary Card (ESPN – 8 p.m. ET)*

• Ian Machado Garry vs. Geoff Neal – Welterweight

• Maycee Barber vs. Natalia Silva – Women’s Flyweight

Tale of the Tape: By The Numbers

Betting Odds and Predictions
Current Odds (DraftKings):

• O’Malley: -140 favorite

• Dvalishvili: +120 underdog

• Fight Goes Distance: -210

Expert Picks:

• Daniel Cormier: “Merab’s pace is the key – if he can maintain it for 5 rounds, he wins.”

• Michael Bisping: “O’Malley’s improved takedown defense will be the difference.”

• Chael Sonnen: “This comes down to whether Merab can get 4+ takedowns per round.”

How to Watch UFC 316
📺 U.S.: ESPN+ PPV ($79.99)
🌎 International:

• UK: TNT Sports

• Canada: Rogers Sportsnet

• Australia: Kayo Sports

• Brazil: Combat

🎟 Ticket Information:

• Public On-Sale: April 15, 2025

• Expected Price Range: $200-$2,500

• Venue Capacity: 20,000 (T-Mobile Arena)

Training Camp Rumors
Sources close to both camps reveal:

• O’Malley training with Olympic wrestlers to prep for Merab’s grappling

• Dvalishvili worked with elite strikers to counter O’Malley’s precision

• Both fighters are reportedly in the best shape of their careers

What’s at Stake?
For O’Malley:

• Change to avenge his only UFC loss

• Cement his status as bantamweight GOAT

• Potential super-fight with featherweight champ

For Dvalishvili:

• First UFC championship

• Validation for his relentless wrestling style

• Opportunity to dethrone MMA’s biggest star

Fighter Quotes
O’Malley: “I let the judges decide last time. This time I’m finishing him. The ‘Suga Show’ is taking over Vegas.”

Dvalishvili: “I dominated him once, I’ll do it again. The belt is coming home to Georgia.”

Potential Next Opponents
If O’Malley Wins:

• Cory Sandhagen

• Umar Nurmagomedov

• Move to featherweight

If Dvalishvili Wins:

• Aljamain Sterling trilogy

• Marlon Vera rematch

• Henry Cejudo

Don’t Miss This Historic Rematch
UFC 316 promises to deliver one of the most technical and explosive championship fights in bantamweight history. Will O’Malley’s striking prevail or will Dvalishvili’s grappling dominate? Tune in on June 7 to witness this career-defining clash.

Final Prediction: O’Malley by 4th round TKO after stuffing early takedowns and finding his range in championship rounds.