Merab Dvalishvili Defends UFC Bantamweight Title Against Sean O'Malley in Newark

UFC 316, taking place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, features a highly anticipated rematch for the bantamweight championship between reigning champion Merab Dvalishvili and former titleholder Sean O’Malley, who lost the belt to Dvalishvili last September. The co-main event is a women’s bantamweight title fight, with two-time champion Julianna Peña defending her belt against former PFL champion and Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison. Both title fights have fighters successfully making weight, with only Ariane da Silva missing hers. The main card also includes notable bouts such as Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer, Patchy Mix vs. Mario Bautista, and Vicente Luque vs. Kevin Holland. O’Malley, now appearing more measured and calm, is seen as having a chance to join elite company like Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather if he wins and maintains a dominant run. The event will be broadcast on ESPN+ PPV, with prelims starting earlier on ESPN and UFC Fight Pass.