NEWARK, USA – Georgian fighter Merab Dvalishvili proved too strong for Sean O’Malley once again, defeating the flashy American with a third-round submission at UFC 316 in New Jersey to retain his bantamweight title in front of a high-profile audience that included US President Donald Trump.

In a performance that underscored his claim as one of the greatest bantamweights in UFC history, Dvalishvili (20-4) used his relentless grappling and pressure to wear down O’Malley (18-3), securing a modified choke at 4:42 of Round 3. The victory extends Dvalishvili’s winning streak to 13 and adds another layer of legitimacy to his reign.

“I’m ready for Sandhagen next — let’s go,” Dvalishvili said, referencing fellow contender Cory Sandhagen, who has also been on a hot streak.

O’Malley, once the division’s champion and a fan favourite for his striking flair, acknowledged the defeat but promised to return stronger. “Thank you guys for coming out. I’ll be back, 100 percent,” he told fans.

In the co-main event, Kayla Harrison captured the women’s bantamweight title by submitting Julianna Peña in the second round with a slick kimura lock. Harrison (19-1), a former Olympic judoka, dominated from the opening bell.

She revealed after the bout that she nearly withdrew during a brutal weight cut. “Thursday night, I wanted to quit,” she said. “But this is what it takes to be great.”

With former dual-division champion Amanda Nunes teasing a return from retirement, UFC officials wasted no time building hype. The two fighters faced off in the Octagon post-fight, hinting at a blockbuster women’s bout later this year.

Elsewhere on the UFC 316 main card:

As UFC 316 delivered headline-grabbing moments and elite performances, many African fans continue to ask: Where is the next African-born UFC champion? With past icons like Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Ngannou having set the gold standard, the continent watches closely for its next global ambassador in the Octagon.


By Wafricnews Desk.