UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2 Set to Ignite Newark with Championship Doubleheader (UFC)
The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday, June 7, 2025, for UFC 316, featuring a championship doubleheader that promises high-stakes action and compelling narratives.
Main Event: Bantamweight Title Rematch – Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley
In the headliner, reigning bantamweight champion Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili defends his title against former champion “Suga” Sean O’Malley in a highly anticipated rematch. Their first encounter at UFC 306 saw Dvalishvili utilize his relentless wrestling to secure a unanimous decision victory, dethroning O’Malley. Since then, Dvalishvili has successfully defended his title and set a new UFC record for most takedowns, surpassing Georges St-Pierre with 91.
O’Malley, determined to reclaim his title, has undergone a rigorous training camp, focusing on improving his grappling and takedown defense. He has enlisted the expertise of former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson to enhance his skills . O’Malley has also taken a hiatus from social media to concentrate fully on his preparation.
Co-Main Event: Women’s Bantamweight Title – Peña vs. Harrison
The co-main event features a clash between current women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Peña and former PFL champion and two-time Olympic judo gold medalist Kayla Harrison. Peña, known for her submission victory over Amanda Nunes in 2021, returned from injury to reclaim the title at UFC 307. Harrison, boasting an 18-1 MMA record, has made a strong UFC debut with wins over Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira. Confident in her abilities, Harrison has dismissed comparisons to Ronda Rousey, stating, “She doesn’t hold a candle to my career.”
Main Card Highlights
- Joe Pyfer vs. Kelvin Gastelum: A middleweight bout between rising contender Pyfer and seasoned veteran Gastelum.
- Patchy Mix vs. Mario Bautista: A bantamweight showdown featuring former Bellator champion Mix stepping in for Marlon Vera.
- Vicente Luque vs. Kevin Holland: A welterweight battle between two dynamic strikers aiming to climb the rankings.
Preliminary Card Notables
- Bruno Silva vs. Joshua Van: A flyweight contest showcasing Silva’s submission prowess against Van’s striking skills.()
- Ariane Lipski vs. Wang Cong: A women’s flyweight bout with Lipski seeking to rebound from recent losses.
- Serghei Spivac vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta: A heavyweight clash with potential title implications.
- Khaos Williams vs. Andreas Gustafsson: Williams faces newcomer Gustafsson after a series of opponent changes.
Broadcast and Coverage
The event will be broadcast live on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View, with prelims starting at 6 p.m. ET and the main card at 10 p.m. ET. The commentary team includes Joe Rogan, Jon Anik, and Daniel Cormier, with Din Thomas providing coaching insights. Bruce Buffer returns as the octagon announcer, and Megan Olivi will handle backstage interviews.
UFC 316 promises a night of thrilling matchups and significant implications for multiple divisions. Fans can expect high-level competition and potential shifts in the championship landscape.
For more information and to order the event, visit the official UFC 316 event page.
Penny Buffington, MMA Fight Coverage
