Prudential Center, Newark, NJ | By Penny Buffington, MMA Fight Coverage
The Ultimate Fighting Championship returned to the Prudential Center in Newark for UFC 316, delivering a 13-fight card capped by two thrilling title fights and several highlight-reel finishes. The event saw championship gold change hands and rising stars make their mark in front of an electric crowd.
Main Event: Merab Dvalishvili Submits Sean O’Malley to Win Bantamweight Title
In a career-defining performance, Merab Dvalishvili (128-855) captured the UFC Bantamweight Championship with a third-round submission win over Sean O’Malley (139-923). After a competitive opening two rounds, Dvalishvili locked in a ninja choke at 4:42 of round three, forcing the champion to tap. Referee Jason Herzog stepped in as judges Eric Colon, Chris Lee, and Sal D’Amato witnessed the changing of the guard.
Co-Main Event: Kayla Harrison Dismantles Julianna Peña for Women’s Bantamweight Crown
Former Olympic judo gold medalist and MMA powerhouse Kayla Harrison (156-929) lived up to the hype, dominating former champ Julianna Peña (111-989). Harrison secured a kimura submission at 4:55 of round two, claiming the Women’s Bantamweight title. Peña was later handed indefinite suspensions pending orthopedic clearance for injuries to her left shoulder and elbow.
Main Card Highlights
- Joe Pyfer vs. Kelvin Gastelum (Middleweight): Pyfer (150-804) impressed in a unanimous decision victory over veteran Gastelum (128-806), earning scorecards of 30-27, 29-27, and 29-28. Gastelum was suspended for 30 days and must be cleared by a dentist for a loose tooth.
- Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix (Bantamweight): Bautista (139-913) edged Mix (137-629) in a three-round decision, including two 30-27 cards.
- Kevin Holland vs. Vicente Luque (Welterweight): Holland (129-324) bounced back into the win column with a second-round D’Arce choke submission at 1:03. Luque received a 45-day suspension due to a scalp hematoma.
Preliminary Card Results
- Josh Van def. Bruno Silva (Flyweight): Van (163-597) earned a third-round TKO with a flurry of unanswered punches at 4:01.
- Azamat Murzakanov def. Brendson Ribeiro (Light Heavyweight): Murzakanov (142-510) scored a quick first-round TKO at 3:25.
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Serghei Spivac (Heavyweight): Cortes-Acosta (142-446) controlled all three rounds for a unanimous decision win. Spivac (160-315) now faces indefinite suspension pending x-rays and orthopedic review.
- Andreas Gustafsson def. Khaos Williams (Welterweight): Gustafsson (180-703) was dominant en route to a unanimous decision. Williams was cut and received a 45-day medical suspension.
- Wang Cong def. Ariane da Silva (Flyweight): Cong (178-800) swept the scorecards despite da Silva (158-814) missing weight by 7 pounds. Da Silva was fined and received multiple suspensions pending leg evaluation.
- Joo Sang Yoo def. Jeka Saragih (Featherweight): Yoo (183-845) delivered the fastest finish of the night, knocking out Saragih (169-504) with a left hook at just 28 seconds into round one.
- Quillan Salkilld def. Yanal Ashmouz (Lightweight): Salkilld (175-670) stayed unbeaten with a clean sweep on the cards, though he left with a foot injury and a 30-day suspension.
- Marquel Mederos def. Mark Choinski (Lightweight): Mederos (155-114) looked sharp, earning 30-27 scores from two judges in a measured decision win.
Medical Suspensions
Numerous fighters received medical suspensions, including Julianna Peña (indefinite), Vicente Luque (45 days), Jeka Saragih (60 days for KO), and Serghei Spivac (indefinite pending x-rays and orthopedic clearance).
Event Notes
- Attendance: Not officially released
- Referees: Jason Herzog, Mike Beltran, Gasper Oliver, Keith Peterson, Vitor Ribeiro
- Judges: Eric Colon, Chris Lee, Sal D’Amato, Maimunah Querido, Jon Bilyk, Adrian Castro, Anthony Tamburrino
- Announcer: Bruce Buffer
UFC 316 cemented Merab Dvalishvili and Kayla Harrison as dominant new champions and brought excitement from top to bottom. With medical clearances pending for several athletes, the ripple effects of this action-packed night will be felt for months to come.
