Merab Dvalishvili finishes Sean O'Malley in UFC 316. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC News
Who will stop? Merab Dvalishvili? The answer, it seems, is not named after Sean O'Malley. In a rematch held this Saturday (7), the Georgian had a relentless performance and finished the American in the third round to defend the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2 kg). The fight was valid for the main fight of the UFC 316.
There was a lot of anticipation for the new meeting between the show's protagonists. In September 2024, at UFC 306 At Esfera, the athletes gave fans a real show this season, which ended with Merab's victory over O'Malley on points.
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With this, Merab defends his 61,2kg belt once again. The Georgian defeated O'Malley for the second time and established himself as one of the greatest names in the history of the division. He has already defeated names such as Umar Nurmagomedov, Henry Cejudo, Petr yan e José Aldo.
O'Malley, in turn, was unsuccessful in trying to regain the title and will have to get back in line. It was the American's third defeat in the organization.
Merab Dvalishvili puts on a show and submits Sean O'Malley at UFC 316
The fight began with O'Malley taking the first initiative, with a spinning kick, which was easily avoided. Without even landing a single blow, however, Merab cornered his opponent against the fence. The challenger, in turn, threw his blows in a relaxed manner, calm and patient. Experienced, Dvalishvili stuck with the American, landed blows and began to impose his game in the grappling match. He failed on his initial attempt, but the second was successful and followed with punches from above.
In the second half, Merab continued with his renowned strong pace. He cornered his opponent and marched forward. Sean defended himself and the fight continued on his feet. At one point, 'Suga' managed to land a good right to the champion's face, but the Georgian didn't let it go and landed two counter punches. However, he was thwarted in all his takedown attempts.
Precision versus a sense of urgency. The third round was interesting for two reasons. The first was with O'Malley, who landed a strong blow to Merab's face. The second was with the Georgian, who prevented his opponent from progressing in good form and took him down with a plastic takedown. And that wasn't all. There was pressure, punches, knees and control. He frustrated and broke the American's mind. He imposed a guillotine submission until the challenger had 'three taps'. Merab Dvalishvili win again!
Merab talks about 'realizing dreams' and accepting fight with Cory Sadhagen
“Believe in your dreams. Everything is possible. If I could do it, anyone can. I’m not a genetic freak. I used to be young, I used to smoke. But that’s nonsense. We do it. You have to live a healthy life. It’s hard work. (…) Cory Sandhagen He’s the man. Let’s do it. Let’s put on a show,” said the champion in an interview in the octagon.
UFC 316 results
MAIN CARD (23pm Brasília time)
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Merab Dvalishvili submitted Sean O'Malley with a guillotine choke at 4m42sec of R3
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg.): Kayla harrison derrotou Julianna Pena via submission (kimura) at 4m55s of R2
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): joe pyfer derrotou Kelvin Gastelum in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): mario bautista derrotou Patchy mix in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Welterweight (up to 77kg.): Kevin holland finished Vincent Luque with a hand triangle at 1m03sec of R2
PRELIMINARY CARD (19pm Brasília time)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Joshua Van derrotou Bruno Bulldoguinho by technical knockout (punches) at 4:1 of R3
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Azamat Murzakanov derrotou Brendson Ribeiro by technical knockout (punches) at 3:35 of R1
Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Waldo Cortes Acosta derrotou Serghei Spivac in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight (up to 77 kg): Andreas Gustafsson derrotou Khaos Williams in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Cong Wang derrotou Ariane Lipski in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Joosang Yoo derrotou Jeka Saragih by knockout 28s into R1
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Quillan Salkilld derrotou Yanal Ashmoz in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Marquel Mederos derrotou Mark Choinski in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
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