Merab Dvalishvili Wins Bantamweight Title at UFC Noche

Merab Dvalishvili clinched the UFC Bantamweight Championship by defeating Sean O'Malley in a unanimous decision at UFC Noche in Las Vegas, marking his 11th consecutive victory. Dvalishvili's wrestling prowess dominated the match, as he pressured O'Malley with relentless grappling, which left the former champion struggling to find his rhythm. Notably, the fight included bizarre moments such as Dvalishvili arguing with O'Malley's coach and even kissing O'Malley during a grappling exchange. The judges scored the bout 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47 in favor of Dvalishvili, although the fight was less competitive than the scores suggested. Following his win, speculation surrounds Dvalishvili's next title defense, possibly against top contenders like Umar Nurmagomedov. The event, dedicated to Mexican Independence Day, showcased not only the fight but also cultural tributes through immersive experiences at the Sphere.