LIVE 1 LIVE 2 LIVE 3 LIVE 4 LIVE 5 LIVE 6
UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2 – The Redemption Clash – PPV Preview
June 7, 2025
The Stage is Set for an Epic Rematch
The UFC returns with another blockbuster Pay-Per-View event, UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2, on June 7, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This is not just another fight card—it’s a night where legacies will be defined, rivalries will be settled, and the bantamweight division will crown its true king.
In the main event, Merab Dvalishvili defends his bantamweight title against the flashy and unpredictable Sean O’Malley in a highly anticipated rematch. Their first encounter was a razor-thin decision that left fans divided, and now, with gold on the line, both men are out to prove once and for all who is the superior fighter.
But that’s not all—the co-main event features a welterweight war between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry, two undefeated phenoms colliding in a battle that could determine the next title contender.
From top to bottom, UFC 316 is stacked with must-see fights. Let’s break it all down.
Main Event: Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2 – The Redemption Fight
The First Fight: A Controversial Decision
When Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley first met at UFC 299, it was a back-and-forth war. Dvalishvili’s relentless grappling and pressure clashed with O’Malley’s sniper-like striking and footwork. After five rounds, the judges awarded Dvalishvili a split decision, but many fans argued O’Malley had done enough to win.
Now, with Dvalishvili as the reigning champion after dethroning Aljamain Sterling, O’Malley gets his shot at revenge.
Dvalishvili’s Path to the Title
Merab Dvalishvili (18-4) is a machine. His cardio is inhuman, his wrestling suffocating, and his pressure relentless. Since his loss to Ricky Simón in 2018, he has been on a 10-fight win streak, dominating names like Petr Yan, Jose Aldo, and Henry Cejudo.
Key Strengths:
- Wrestling & Grappling – One of the best chain wrestlers in UFC history.
- Cardio – Can maintain a brutal pace for 25 minutes.
- Pressure – Never lets opponents breathe.
O’Malley’s Redemption Arc
Sean O’Malley (18-2, 1 NC) is one of the most dynamic strikers in MMA. After his first loss to Marlon Vera, he rebounded with wins over Yan, Cory Sandhagen, and Umar Nurmagomedov. His precision, creativity, and knockout power make him a constant threat.
Key Strengths:
- Striking Accuracy – One of the best pure boxers in the division.
- Movement & Footwork – Elusive and hard to pin down.
- Knockout Power – Can end the fight with one shot.
Fight Prediction
Will Dvalishvili’s wrestling smother O’Malley again? Or has “Sugar” adjusted his takedown defense to keep it standing and pick Merab apart?
Our Pick: O’Malley by TKO in Round 4 – If he can stuff the early takedowns, his striking will be the difference.
Co-Main Event: Rakhmonov vs. Garry – The Undefeated Showdown
Shavkat Rakhmonov (18-0) – The Nomad’s Reign of Terror
Rakhmonov has finished every single one of his fights, with a mix of submissions and knockouts. His well-rounded game makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone.
Ian Machado Garry (14-0) – The Irish Phenom
Garry has been on a meteoric rise, blending crisp striking with improving grappling. His confidence is sky-high, and a win here could earn him a title shot.
Fight Prediction
This is a true 50-50 fight. Rakhmonov’s grappling might be the key, but Garry’s striking is elite.
Our Pick: Rakhmonov by Submission in Round 3 – His pressure and grappling will wear Garry down.
Other Key Fights on the Card
Light Heavyweight Bout: Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
Hill is looking to rebound after losing the title, while Rountree is on a vicious knockout streak. Expect fireworks.
Women’s Strawweight: Yan Xiaonan vs. Tatiana Suarez
A potential title eliminator. Suarez’s wrestling vs. Yan’s striking will be fascinating.
Featherweight: Bryce Mitchell vs. Movsar Evloev
Two elite grapplers collide in what could be a technical masterpiece.
Final Thoughts & Why You Can’t Miss UFC 316
This card has everything:
✅ A high-stakes title rematch
✅ An undefeated co-main event clash
✅ Explosive knockouts and submissions
PPV Start Time:
- Main Card: 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT
- Prelims: 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT
- Early Prelims: 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT
SEO-Optimized External Links for Further Reading
- UFC Official Site – Bantamweight Rankings
- Sean O’Malley’s Fight Stats – ESPN
- Merab Dvalishvili’s Grappling Breakdown – MMA Fighting
- Shavkat Rakhmonov’s Undefeated Streak – Sherdog
- UFC 316 Betting Odds – DraftKings
Final Prediction Recap
- Main Event: O’Malley by TKO
- Co-Main: Rakhmonov by Submission
- Sleeper Pick: Rountree Jr. by KO
Don’t miss UFC 316 – This is going to be one of the best cards of 2025!