UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs O’Malley 2: Preview, Odds & How to Watch

When Merab Dvalishvili beat Sean O’Malley via Unanimous Decision (UD) back on September 14, 2024, it was almost apparent that we would see a rematch eventually. Now, 9 months later, on June 7, 2025, at UFC 316, these two will go head-to-head again. The Georgian menace Dvalishvili will seek to defend his belt while O’Malley seeks to get back on a winning track and regain the crown he had before Merab.

Fans will witness a classic battle between grappler and striker. Even though Merab hasn’t lost a professional UFC fight since 2018, O’Malley is a former champion and a serious threat to the one they call ‘The Machine’. Let’s see everything there’s to know about Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2!

Dvalishvili vs O’Malley 2: Fight Details

• Date: June 7, 2025 
• Time: Around 3 AM, June 8 UK time
• Location: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA
• At stake: UFC’s Bantamweight Belt
• Betting available at 7bet UK

The headlining bout of this event should bring fireworks. It’s the 11th time UFC arrives at Prudential Center and should host over 15,000 fans in attendance.  

Merab Dvalishvili – ‘The Machine’

Record: 19-4 (3 KOs); 12 wins in a row

Until the end of 2018, Dvalishvili looked like the kind of fighter who wouldn’t achieve anything special in the UFC. He seemed good, just not champion material. But boy, did he improve…

Ever since UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Oleinik on September 15, 2018, when he defeated Terrion Ware by unanimous decision, the Strongman from Caucasus has been on a tear. He will defend his belt against O’Malley on the back of a 12-win streak and after handing Umar Nurmagomedov his first-ever UFC loss in a title defence earlier in the year. 

At 34 years of age, he remains in prime form, blending judo and sambo to outmatch his opponents, who are often taller and have a longer reach than him. Over the years, he displayed sublime endurance while fighting many top-tier opponents. That’s one thing that can’t be said about his opponent since O’Malley has been less battle-tested.

Once again, Merab will be the less physically imposing figure, combating a 5-inch height and 4-inch reach disadvantage. With that being said, it’s a very familiar territory to him…

Oleksandr Usyk – Last 5 Fights

Once again, we likely won’t see ‘The Machine’ knocking O’Malley out. However, thanks to his superhuman endurance, if the bout goes the distance, experts predict one more UD victory. He managed 6 takedowns in their previous matchup, enjoying around 10 minutes of control. This shows that the Georgian has a game plan and will stick to it. 

Sean O’Malley – ‘Suga’

Record: 21-2 (12 KOs)

Up until his loss to Merab in 2024, Sean O’Malley was labelled as the next superstar in the making. That night derailed his rise, but let’s keep things fair – the American had a decent shot at ‘the Machine’. If he comes better prepared this time, ‘Suga’ could bring the thunder to regain the Bantamweight belt he held before Dvalishvili.

Hailing from the small town of Helena in the big state of Montana, he still is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC. Almost a polar opposite to his UFC 316 opponent, Sean O’Malley is a tall (5’11”) striker, boasting a KO ratio of over 50 % – very high for bantamweights. He has numerous Performance of the Night or Fight of the Night bonuses to his name and backs it up with strong attacks.

Although he has a brown belt in BJJ, it’s Suga’s’ long arms and taller stature that allow him to neutralise most opponents with strikes. Although grappling specialists like Merab have dominated many categories in the UFC lately, O’Malley is ready for a challenge.

Daniel Dubois – Last 5 Fights

Before UFC 316, Sean O’Malley only had a single loss in the last 8 bouts, proving the fact that he’s still the real deal. However, if the American wants to reclaim his belt, he needs to be better than he was last time out and overcome the underdog status he currently holds in the odds. 

Tale of the Tape

Key Factors to Watch

Since it’s the rematch between these two Bantamweight titans, we already know a bit of what to expect. Last time out, the fight went to distance, and even though Dvalishvili won via UD, there were hard moments for the current champion. What does the future hold? No one knows, but here’s what you should keep an eye on during Dvalishvili vs O’Malley 2.

• Striking vs Grappling – Dvalishvili’s ruthless style of wrestling and grappling is the exact opposite of Sean O’Malley’s elite striking skills and precision. A very large part of the fight may be determined by Dvalishvili’s ability to get in close and control the space in the octagon, just like in September of last year. Also, a key thing for ‘The Machine’ is how often he can take the American to the ground and neutralise his punches. For the champion, the cost of a mistake might be higher, but that being said, he doesn’t make a lot of them.

• Cardio and Pressure – O’Malley isn’t known for his stamina, while his opponent is. If the champion can maintain a high tempo for all 5 rounds, it will be extremely difficult for O’Malley to walk away with the belt. If he’s able to keep his distance and deliver strong strikes, though, then UFC 316 could be an entirely different ballgame. 

• The Mental Game – ‘Sugar’ hasn’t been defeated by anyone not named Merab Dvalishvili in recent years. We can debate stats and fighting styles for a long time, but psychology will play a significant part in this bout. If the underdog dreams of an upset, he must be prepared better mentally. O’Malley needs to be more precise and deadly with every single movement to pull this one off.

Dvalishvili vs O’Malley 2: Betting Odds

You can find odds for UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs O’Malley 2 right here on 7bet UK. Below is a table with the main odds (accurate as of early June).

Winner

Please note that these odds are accurate at the time of publishing. Make sure to check the latest odds before placing your bet.

How to Watch UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs O’Malley 2 in the UK?

If you’re in the UK, prepare for a long night between June 7 and June 8. The main event, Dvalishvili vs O’Malley, is set to begin at around 3 AM BST but could be delayed if the undercards take longer.

You can catch all the action on TNT Sports via Discovery+ if you’re a Premium plan owner. 

FAQ

How Much Will the Fighters Earn From This Fight?

The official payouts for UFC 316 aren’t yet public, and both gladiators can expect 7-figures. At UFC 311, Dvalishvili earned $500,000, while O’Malley got a reported $3.2 million on UFC 306. This time around, both fighters should be rewarded with well over a million. 

Who is the Favourite in the Dvalishvili vs O’Malley Rematch?

As of early June, Merab Dvalishvili is the favourite in the odds (4/13 at 7bet UK). 

How Did O’Malley Lose the First Battle?

Dvalishvili won by Unanimous decision after a hard-fought battle that went the distance. He had more control and 6 takedowns, earning a well-deserved victory to become the UFC Bantamweight king. 

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