Merab Dvalishvili not only defeated Sean O’Malley again, but also finished faster than the first time.
“The Machine” recorded a number of points in its second straight bantamweight title defense and a second victory over O’Malley in Saturday’s main event at UFC 316 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
This time, O’Malley has significantly improved his takedown defense, which encourages Dvaliszvili even greater as he was able to place O’Malley on his back many times while attacking with ground, pounds and submission.
Dvalishvili crucially broke through O’Malley’s defense in the third round, securing chokes and taps, improving to 2-0 in rivalry.
On social media, many fighters responded by praising Dvalishvili as the best ever to compete for 135 pounds, but others wondered why this rematch was happening in the first place.
Check out the fighter reactions below.
Serious questions looking for honest answers, why was O’Malley given a rematch? #ufc316
-ZAC racket (@zacral) June 8, 2025
Amazing victory melove! Honestly, this is not a fight, it’s a straightforward bullying. #ufc316
-ManelKape (@manelkape) June 8, 2025
Congratulations Merab! It’s rap! good night!
– Gilbert Barnes Durinho (@gilbertduirinho) June 8, 2025
I would like to see Corey’s fight for the title next, but at the same time I’ll need to see that O’Malley vs. Sandhagen
– Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) June 8, 2025
@MerabdValishVil Just give him a master class as usual and you can say anywhere you like, but he is a goat! Be proud of your brother and very escape to see #ufc316
– Johnny Walker (@johnnywalker) June 8, 2025
Merab looks better than ever! Boxing and submission. #ufc316
– Alanjouban (@Alanjouban) June 8, 2025