Here is a recap of the action from the highly anticipated rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley 2 at UFC 316.
The bantamweight title clash took place on June 7 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Merab Dvalishvili (19-4) squared off against Sean O’Malley (18-3, 1 no-contest) in the main event of the evening. The fight was broadcast live on pay-per-view.
Round 1
Jason Herzog served as the referee for the main event. O’Malley immediately established control of the octagon center, while Dvalishvili quickly advanced with pressure. O’Malley landed an early punch to the body, followed by a sharp jab as Dvalishvili worked to cut off the cage. Dvalishvili pressed forward, landing a left hand, then another. O’Malley returned to targeting the body.
O’Malley connected with a good front kick to the body. Dvalishvili secured a takedown following a right hand. He managed to land a few punches before O’Malley quickly scrambled back to his feet, with Dvalishvili still grappling with him.
O’Malley managed to break free but slipped after throwing a wild knee. Fortunately for him, Dvalishvili couldn`t capitalize on the moment. Dvalishvili landed a punch and pursued a takedown as O’Malley circled away. O`Malley displayed excellent balance, doing everything possible to remain standing, but Dvalishvili`s persistence paid off with another successful takedown.
The champion followed up with ground-and-pound. O’Malley attempted to tie Dvalishvili up from the bottom using his legs, but Dvalishvili remained relentless. O’Malley got back to his feet just before the round ended, but Dvalishvili’s dominant grappling ensured he took the round.
Round Score: 10-9 for Dvalishvili.
Round 2
Dvalishvili started Round 2 by circling the entire octagon, showing his incredible pace. He continued pushing forward, absorbing a punch to the body. O’Malley targeted the body again, but Dvalishvili countered effectively with a combination upstairs. O`Malley responded with a good right hand.
Dvalishvili grazed O`Malley with a left hand, staying right in his 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 body shots.
Another takedown attempt by Dvalishvili was blocked by O’Malley. Dvalishvili connected with a right hand as O’Malley circled away. He rushed in again, landing a right and immediately attempting another takedown. O’Malley showed impressive defense against Dvalishvili’s multi-angle attacks. O`Malley landed a right, followed by a wild exchange where both fighters missed.
This round was closely contested and could have been scored for either fighter.
Round Score: 10-9 for O’Malley. Overall Score: 19-19.
Round 3
Dvalishvili attempted a takedown early in Round 3, but O’Malley landed a counter punch. He went in again and this time emphatically dumped O’Malley to the canvas. Dvalishvili`s takedowns proved unstoppable.
From the bottom, O’Malley tried to stay busy, but Dvalishvili’s top control was overwhelming, effectively neutralizing O`Malley`s options for offense or escape. The crowd grew restless as O’Malley remained trapped on his back.
With less than two minutes remaining, O’Malley fought hard to stand up, but Dvalishvili stayed locked onto him. Dvalishvili executed a trip, twisting his hips to bring O’Malley down again. O`Malley continued trying to get up, but Dvalishvili consistently put him back on the mat.
Dvalishvili transitioned to a choke attempt. O’Malley was caught in a tight squeeze at a difficult angle. Unable to escape the pressure, O`Malley had no choice but to tap out.
Merab Dvalishvili wins by submission, successfully defending his title.
