The UFC has released the first fight between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley on YouTube ahead of their upcoming rematch at UFC 316. The move comes as anticipation builds for the bantamweight championship bout scheduled for June 7, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Watch Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley
Their first meeting took place at UFC 306 in September 2024, marking the first combat sports event at the Sphere in Las Vegas. In that bout, the Georgian-born Merab Dvalishvili defeated O’Malley by unanimous decision, ending O’Malley’s reign as champion and capturing the bantamweight title for himself. Dvalishvili’s performance was marked by sustained grappling control and effective ground work, with ‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley unable to mount a significant offense for most of the fight. The judges scored the contest 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47 in favor of Dvalishvili.
Since winning the title, Dvalishvili has successfully defended his belt once, defeating Umar Nurmagomedov by decision in January 2025. O’Malley, meanwhile, has not fought since losing his title to Dvalishvili. The rematch at UFC 316 gives O’Malley a chance to reclaim the championship and avenge his loss.
In the lead-up to UFC 316, Dvalishvili revealed he suffered a toe injury during training but has indicated he still plans to compete as scheduled. UFC 316 will also feature a women’s bantamweight title fight between Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison as the co-main event. The release of the first Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley fight allows fans to revisit their initial clash and sets the stage for a high-stakes rematch.
Watch UFC 316: Headlined by Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley 2, will take place on June 7, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. In the United States, the event will be available live on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View for $79.99. The early prelims start at 6:00 PM ET, prelims at 8:00 PM ET, and the main card at 10:00 PM ET. Fans can stream the early prelims on UFC Fight Pass, prelims on ESPN, and both prelims and main card on ESPN+.
In the United Kingdom, UFC 316 will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 starting at 3:00 AM BST on June 8, with prelims available earlier on UFC Fight Pass from 11:00 PM BST the night before. The event can also be streamed via the TNT Sports app or the discovery+ Premium service.
