Relive the key moments from the highly anticipated rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O`Malley, which headlined UFC 316.
The main event clash featuring Merab Dvalishvili (19-4) and Sean O’Malley (18-3, 1 no-contest) took place on June 7th at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. The event aired live on pay-per-view.
Round 1
Jason Herzog officiated the main event. O’Malley immediately took the center of the octagon, but Dvalishvili quickly applied pressure. O’Malley landed a quick body punch and a jab. Dvalishvili advanced, landing a couple of left hands as he worked to cut off the cage. O’Malley returned to the body.
A good front kick to the body landed for O’Malley. Dvalishvili secured his first takedown following a right hand, landing a few punches before O’Malley scrambled back to his feet with Dvalishvili still attached.
O’Malley broke free but slipped after a wild knee attempt. Fortunately, Dvalishvili couldn`t fully capitalize. Dvalishvili landed a punch and pursued another takedown as O’Malley circled away. O’Malley displayed great balance, defending relentlessly to stay upright, but Dvalishvili’s persistent pressure resulted in another takedown.
Dvalishvili worked ground-and-pound from the top position. O’Malley used his legs to tie Dvalishvili up, but Dvalishvili remained relentless. O’Malley managed to get back to his feet by the end of the round, but Dvalishvili`s grappling dominance likely secured the frame.
Score: Dvalishvili 10-9
Round 2
Dvalishvili circled the entire octagon at the start of the second round, showing no signs of slowing down. He pressed forward and absorbed a body punch. O’Malley landed another body shot, but Dvalishvili countered effectively up high with a combo. O`Malley responded with a good right hand.
Dvalishvili landed a glancing left and stayed right in O’Malley’s face. O’Malley landed a counter punch as Dvalishvili rushed in for a takedown attempt. O`Malley defended well, keeping the fight standing. They jockeyed for position in the cage, with O’Malley sneaking in more body shots.
Dvalishvili attempted another takedown, which O’Malley blocked. Dvalishvili scored with a right hand as O’Malley circled away. He rushed in again, landed a right, and immediately went for another takedown. O’Malley showed exceptional defense against Dvalishvili`s multiple angles of attack. O’Malley landed a right, and both fighters missed in a subsequent wild exchange.
This round was closely contested and could have been scored either way.
Score: O’Malley 10-9. Overall: 19-19.
Round 3
Dvalishvili initiated an early takedown attempt in this round, but ate a counter punch for his effort. Undeterred, he went in again and successfully dumped O’Malley to the mat. His takedowns proved unstoppable.
O’Malley was active from the bottom position, but Dvalishvili`s top control was overwhelming, effectively “drowning” his opponent. While no significant strikes landed, O’Malley had almost no opportunities to stand up or mount an attack from his back. The crowd grew restless as O`Malley remained stuck.
With less than two minutes remaining, O’Malley fought desperately to stand. Dvalishvili remained locked onto him. Dvalishvili executed a trip, twisting his hips to bring O’Malley back down. The challenger continued fighting hard to regain his feet, but Dvalishvili consistently shut him down.
Dvalishvili then transitioned to a choke attempt. He had O’Malley in a tight squeeze from an awkward angle. The pressure was too much, and O`Malley was forced to tap out!
Result: Merab Dvalishvili wins via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in Round 3.
