UFC

Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2 Headlines UFC 316, Peña vs. Harrison Set as Co-Main Event

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By
Garrett Kerman
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Garrett Kerman Sports Editor

Garrett Kerman also goes by the name of The Fight Analyst. He covers all combat sports, from MMA, to boxing, to even bare-knuckle. He is also very well-versed in all American sports when it comes to news and betting analysis. Whether you want betting advice or some breaking news, Garrett is your guy.

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Sports Editor

Published02 Apr 2025

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ufc 316

The UFC is pulling out all the stops for its return to Newark, New Jersey, with UFC 316 slated to feature two blockbuster title fights at the Prudential Center on June 7. In the main event, reigning bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will defend his belt in a highly anticipated rematch against former champion Sean O’Malley. Meanwhile, Julianna Peña will put her women’s bantamweight title on the line against former PFL standout Kayla Harrison in the co-main event.

A Rematch with High Stakes: Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley

Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley first squared off at Noche UFC in September 2024, where Dvalishvili dethroned O’Malley with a dominant unanimous decision victory. The Georgian’s relentless wrestling pressure and cardio proved too much for “Sugar” Sean, who struggled to find openings against the champion’s suffocating pace. Since then, Dvalishvili has solidified his reign with a successful title defense against Umar Nurmagomedov earlier this year.

O’Malley, however, has been waiting in the wings ready to reclaim his throne. Known for his flashy striking and knockout power, O’Malley will need to adjust his game plan significantly if he hopes to overcome Dvalishvili’s grinding style in the rematch. Despite criticism from some fans questioning whether O’Malley deserves an immediate shot at the title, his popularity and star power have undoubtedly earned him this opportunity.

For Dvalishvili, this fight is about proving his dominance and silencing any doubts about his legitimacy as champion. For O’Malley, it’s a chance at redemption and reclaiming the belt that once made him one of the UFC’s biggest stars. With contrasting styles—Dvalishvili’s relentless grappling versus O’Malley’s dynamic striking—the rematch promises intrigue and excitement for fight fans.

Peña vs. Harrison: A Clash of Champions

In the co-main event, Julianna Peña will make her first title defense since reclaiming the women’s bantamweight belt last October. Peña defeated Raquel Pennington via split decision at UFC 307 in what many considered a controversial outcome. Now, she faces arguably her toughest test yet in Kayla Harrison—a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo and former PFL featherweight champion who has transitioned seamlessly into MMA dominance.

Harrison earned her shot at UFC gold by defeating Ketlen Vieira last fall, extending her unbeaten streak in the Octagon. Harrison should be heavily favored heading into this matchup, she is widely regarded as one of the most physically imposing fighters in women’s MMA history. Her grappling prowess and ability to control opponents make her a nightmare matchup for any fighter, including Peña.

Despite being labeled a significant underdog, Peña has shrugged off doubters and emphasized her mental toughness as her greatest weapon. “You’re going to have to literally cut my head off to get me to stop,” Peña said in a recent interview when asked about her chances against Harrison. This clash represents not only a battle for bantamweight supremacy but also a collision of grit versus technical mastery.

UFC 316: A Night of Championship Drama

With two bantamweight titles on the line—one for men and one for women—UFC 316 is shaping up to be one of the most significant events of 2025. The Prudential Center will host an electric night as fans witness two pivotal matchups that could redefine both divisions.

  • Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley: Can Dvalishvili maintain his reign as champion, or will O’Malley reclaim his crown with an emphatic performance?

  • Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison: Will Peña defy the odds again, or will Harrison add another chapter to her storied career by capturing UFC gold?

With additional bouts expected to be announced in the coming weeks, UFC 316 promises high-stakes action that fans won’t want to miss. As June 7 approaches, all eyes will be on Newark for what could be a defining night in MMA history