The Ultimate Fighting Championship returned to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on June 7, 2025, for UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs O'Malley 2. The event marked the promotion's 11th visit to Newark and first since UFC 302 in June 2024. UFC 316 delivered a banner night featuring two bantamweight championship bouts headlining an action-packed card. In the main event, Georgian champion Merab "The Machine" Dvalishvili defended his title against former champion Sean "Suga" O'Malley in their highly-anticipated rematch after their September 2024 clash at UFC 306.
The co-main event showcased two-time Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison challenging two-time champion Julianna Peña for the women's bantamweight title. The 13-fight card produced spectacular finishes, controversial performances, and historic moments that reshaped the bantamweight landscape. With special guest President Donald Trump in attendance and 17,343 fans generating a $6,501,177 gate, UFC 316 became one of the year's most significant events. Both title fights ended in submissions, with champions defending and dethroning in dominant fashion, setting up blockbuster matchups for the remainder of 2025.
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UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs O'Malley 2 Main Card Results
Merab Dvalishvili vs Sean O'Malley - Main Event (UFC Bantamweight Championship)
Merab Dvalishvili (Georgia) def. Sean O'Malley (United States - Montana) via submission (north-south choke/guillotine) at 4:42 of Round 3
In a definitive performance that solidified his status among the sport's elite, Georgian champion Merab "The Machine" Dvalishvili submitted former titleholder Sean O'Malley in Round 3 to successfully defend his bantamweight championship for the second time in 2025. The rematch exceeded expectations as Dvalishvili showcased dramatic improvements to his striking game while maintaining his trademark relentless wrestling pressure.
The pairing previously met at UFC 306 in September 2024, where Dvalishvili captured the title via unanimous decision. That bout saw O'Malley struggle with Dvalishvili's pace and grappling-heavy approach. The rematch promised adjustments from both fighters - and Dvalishvili delivered spectacularly.
From the opening bell, Dvalishvili shocked observers with his improved boxing. The Georgian champion, known primarily for wrestling and cardio, mixed his striking beautifully with takedown threats. His hands appeared sharper, more confident, putting O'Malley off-balance from the jump.
O'Malley, the rainbow-haired Montana native fighting without his signature colorful locks and reportedly weed-free for the contest, sought to establish distance and utilize his reach advantage. However, Dvalishvili's pressure proved overwhelming once again.
The champion's improved striking complemented his wrestling perfectly. When O'Malley adjusted to the hands, Dvalishvili bounced to takedowns. The relentless pace and constant threat from multiple positions left O'Malley unable to find his offensive rhythm.
Round 3 saw Dvalishvili seize the finish. After securing a takedown, he transitioned smoothly into a north-south position and locked in a devastating choke. O'Malley fought desperately to escape but the grip proved inescapable. At 4:42, O'Malley tapped, giving Dvalishvili his first submission victory in the UFC and 13th consecutive win overall.
The victory extended Dvalishvili's winning streak to 13 fights - tied for the fourth-longest in UFC history and the longest-ever bantamweight streak at 11 consecutive wins, surpassing Aljamain Sterling's nine. His record improved to 20-4.
Fighting back emotion post-fight, Dvalishvili praised his team and called out Cory Sandhagen as his desired next challenger. He thanked Patchy Mix for being a "difficult sparring partner" during camp. The champion emphasized respect in competition, criticizing fighters who resort to fake trash talk for hype.
O'Malley dropped to 18-3, suffering back-to-back losses to Dvalishvili and facing an uncertain future in his comeback attempt. The former champion will need to rebuild momentum in the loaded bantamweight division.
Dvalishvili earned an estimated $2.39 million for his performance plus a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. O'Malley collected $1.98 million despite the loss. The dominant performance positioned Dvalishvili firmly in pound-for-pound discussions and announced him as one of the sport's premier fighters.
Later in 2025, Dvalishvili would go on to earn the ESPY Award for Fighter of the Year, cementing his incredible run.
Kayla Harrison vs Julianna Peña - Co-Main Event (UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship)
Kayla Harrison (United States) def. Julianna Peña (United States) via submission (kimura) at 4:55 of Round 2
Two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo Kayla Harrison fulfilled her destiny, capturing the UFC women's bantamweight championship with a dominant second-round submission victory over two-time titleholder Julianna "The Venezuelan Vixen" Peña. The performance announced Harrison as a force in MMA and potentially set up the biggest women's superfight in UFC history.
Harrison entered the bout as a massive favorite despite being the challenger. The former two-time PFL women's lightweight tournament champion made history by cutting to 135 pounds for the first time in her 19-fight career, successfully making weight after campaigning at 145 pounds throughout her PFL tenure. The weight cut - reportedly 30 pounds in total - left Harrison as the significantly bigger woman in the cage.
Peña, The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate bantamweight winner, sought her third reign as champion and first successful title defense. However, entering the bout plagued by injuries sustained during a brutal training camp, Peña faced an uphill battle from the start.
The bout opened with Harrison immediately implementing her elite grappling pedigree. The Olympic champion controlled Peña in the clinch, neutralizing the champion's striking and ground game. Peña received a point deduction in Round 1 for illegal upkicks, further complicating her already difficult evening.
Harrison's judo excellence shone throughout. She dictated positioning, controlled distance, and systematically broke down Peña's defenses. The size and strength advantage proved overwhelming for the champion.
Late in Round 2, Harrison secured the fight-ending sequence. After controlling Peña on the ground, the challenger isolated an arm and locked in a textbook kimura. Peña fought the submission desperately but Harrison's technique and power proved insurmountable. At 4:55 of Round 2, Peña tapped, crowning Harrison as the UFC's seventh undisputed women's bantamweight champion.
The victory improved Harrison to 19-1 (3-0 UFC) and established her as the division's most dominant force. Post-fight, Harrison made waves by calling out retired legend Amanda Nunes, who sat cageside. The all-time great and former two-division champion immediately confirmed her willingness to return from retirement for the superfight.
Harrison and Nunes were former training partners at American Top Team (ATT), adding intrigue to the potential matchup. The champion later revealed a timeline of early 2026 for the Nunes bout, stating she's prepared to move on if the UFC can't make it happen.
Peña dropped to 13-6 (8-4 UFC), losing her title after one defense. She later revealed suffering "several injuries" during camp that created a "severe handicap" against Harrison's elite skills.
Harrison earned a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus plus her disclosed purse, cementing one of the year's most impressive championship performances.
Joe Pyfer vs Kelvin Gastelum - Middleweight
Joe Pyfer (United States - Philadelphia, PA) def. Kelvin Gastelum (United States) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)
Philadelphia's Joe "Bodybagz" Pyfer defeated former interim UFC Middleweight Championship challenger Kelvin Gastelum via unanimous decision in a bout that promised more than it delivered. Despite dropping Gastelum early, Pyfer's overly-cautious approach prevented the spectacular finish many anticipated.
The matchup was originally scheduled for UFC on ESPN: Moreno vs. Erceg in March but cancelled on fight day when Pyfer withdrew due to illness. The rescheduling to UFC 316 created significant anticipation for the rising prospect against the seasoned veteran.
Pyfer, training out of Philadelphia with a 4-1 UFC record entering the bout, started explosively. Less than a minute into Round 1, he dropped Gastelum with heavy punches. The early success seemed to promise a highlight-reel knockout.
However, Pyfer's approach shifted dramatically. Realizing he could hurt Gastelum, the prospect began headhunting for a one-punch knockout. The fight immediately transformed from an inevitable finish to a tactical chess match where Pyfer almost let his opponent back into contention late.
Gastelum, The Ultimate Fighter: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen middleweight winner and former interim title challenger, showed championship-level toughness. Despite the early adversity, the veteran used his experience to make the fight competitive across fifteen minutes.
All three judges scored the bout for Pyfer - 29-28, 29-27, and 30-27 - reflecting his overall control despite the lack of urgency after Round 1.
Post-fight, Pyfer apologized profusely: "I didn't get the finish. I'm sorry. But I was fighting a veteran. I was too respectful of his chin, and I didn't want to get caught. I'm sorry about a boring fight."
The victory improved Pyfer to 5-1 UFC, though the lackluster performance tempered expectations. Fans and analysts called for him to receive a UFC ranking after defeating the "legendary" Gastelum.
Gastelum's future remains uncertain after another decision loss. The 33-year-old veteran's career at a crossroads following the setback.
Mario Bautista vs Patchy Mix - Bantamweight
Mario Bautista (United States) def. Patchy Mix (United States) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
In one of the card's biggest surprises, ranked bantamweight contender Mario Bautista completely shut down hyped promotional newcomer Patchy Mix in the former Bellator champion's highly-anticipated UFC debut. The shutout decision victory extended Bautista's remarkable winning streak and derailed Mix's plans for fast-tracking to title contention.
Mix arrived from Bellator with substantial fanfare, claiming he'd quickly work his way into the UFC bantamweight title discussion. The former Bellator Bantamweight World Champion brought a 20-2 record and reputation as an elite grappler.
Bautista was originally scheduled to face former title challenger Marlon Vera at this event. The pairing was previously expected at UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo in May but moved to UFC 316 for unknown reasons. When Vera withdrew mid-May for undisclosed reasons, Mix replaced him.
The bout itself proved embarrassing for Mix. Rather than implementing his world-renowned grappling game, the Bellator import opted to stand with Bautista in a striking contest. The decision proved catastrophic.
Bautista moved in and out with precision, strafing his stationary opponent with hard right hands repeatedly. The technical striking clinic showcased Bautista's improvements and left Mix looking ordinary across a shockingly uneventful fifteen minutes.
Someone clearly forgot to give Bautista the script - instead of playing competitive patsy for Mix's hyped arrival, the UFC veteran dominated convincingly. Two judges scored it 30-27 and one saw it 29-28 for Bautista.
The victory was the 10th in 12 UFC fights for Bautista, ranked No. 10 at bantamweight entering the contest. His professional record improved to 16-2 while extending his winning streak to eight consecutive victories - the third-longest active bantamweight streak behind only Dvalishvili (13) and Aljamain Sterling (9).
The performance positioned Bautista squarely in title elimination discussion. His consistent excellence at 135 pounds demands recognition from the UFC's matchmakers.
For Mix, the debut disaster requires significant reevaluation. The grappling specialist's inexplicable decision to strike rather than grapple raised serious questions about game planning and execution.
Kevin Holland vs Vicente Luque - Welterweight (Main Card Opener)
Kevin Holland (United States) def. Vicente Luque (Brazil) via submission (d'arce choke/brabo choke) at 1:03 of Round 2
Veteran welterweight Kevin "Trailblazer" Holland kicked off the UFC 316 main card with one of the most polished performances of his career, submitting dangerous Brazilian striker Vicente Luque with a second-round d'arce choke (also called a brabo choke). The victory marked Holland's second consecutive win and positioned him for a potential three-fight winning streak for the first time in five years.
Holland, known for his long reach, creative attacks, and solid ground defense, entered seeking to build momentum after years of inconsistent results. The Riverside, California native improved his UFC record to 15-10 with the victory.
Luque brought his trademark aggressive combinations and legendary durability. The Brazilian striker, 23-11-1 entering the bout, sought to reestablish himself as a welterweight contender after recent setbacks.
The welterweight clash showcased high-level striking early before Holland seized the grappling opportunity in Round 2. After securing a takedown, "Trailblazer" transitioned smoothly to the d'arce choke position. The technique - squeezing Luque's neck while controlling the body - proved unstoppable.
At 1:03 of Round 2, Luque tapped, giving him his first stoppage defeat in years. The submission highlighted Holland's underrated grappling skills and ability to finish fights.
Post-fight, Holland created a viral moment by "dapping up" President Donald Trump, who sat ringside for the event. The interaction showcased Holland's personality and the star-studded atmosphere at UFC 316.
Holland earned a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, rewarding his clinical finish. The victory improved his record to 28-13 overall while snapping Luque's reputation for being nearly impossible to finish.
Holland called for a matchup with Daniel Rodriguez next, eyeing his first three-fight win streak since 2020. Rodriguez is coming off a knockout victory over Santiago Ponzinibbio, setting up a potential welterweight barnburner.
UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs O'Malley 2 Preliminary Card Results
Joshua Van vs Bruno Silva - Flyweight (Featured Prelim)
Joshua Van (United States - Las Vegas, NV) def. Bruno Silva (Brazil) via TKO (punches) at 4:01 of Round 3
Twenty-three-year-old flyweight phenom Joshua "The Fearless" Van continued his meteoric rise with a third-round TKO of Brazilian veteran Bruno Gustavo da Silva. The victory showcased Van's incredible striking volume and positioned him for a potential title shot in the 125-pound division.
Van and Silva were previously scheduled for UFC 313 in March, but Silva withdrew due to injury. The rescheduling to UFC 316 created the featured preliminary card bout.
The Las Vegas native entered ranked No. 14 at flyweight with a 6-1 UFC record. His aggressive striking style and youth made him a favorite against the experienced Silva, who entered riding a winning streak and seeking top-15 positioning.
The flyweight clash delivered action throughout. Van implemented his signature volume striking, averaging 8.1 significant strikes landed per minute - leading all active UFC fighters. The relentless pace and accuracy overwhelmed Silva across three rounds.
Late in Round 3, Van's accumulation proved decisive. At 4:01, he unleashed a finishing combination that forced the referee's intervention. The TKO victory showcased Van's finishing ability alongside his volume.
"The Fearless" landed 125 significant strikes total, tying him with Brandon Moreno for the most flyweight performances (5) with 100+ significant strikes. The statistical achievement highlighted Van's place among the division's elite.
The victory marked Van's second win in June 2025, having also defeated Brandon Royval at UFC 317 weeks later. His busy schedule and shockingly fast development exemplified the idea that practice makes perfect.
Van's performance earned serious title shot consideration. At just 23 years old with 7-1 UFC record, the prospect's trajectory points toward championship opportunities sooner rather than later.
Silva dropped to a disappointing defeat, seeing his winning streak snapped in frustrating fashion.
Azamat Murzakanov vs Brendson Ribeiro - Light Heavyweight
Azamat Murzakanov (Russia) def. Brendson Ribeiro (Brazil) via TKO (punches) at 3:25 of Round 1
Undefeated Russian light heavyweight Azamat "The Professional" Murzakanov proved why he's one of the division's most underrated contenders, brutally stopping Brazilian Brendson "The Gorilla" Ribeiro in the first round. The devastating finish marked Murzakanov's fifth consecutive knockout in the UFC and extended his perfect professional record to 15-0.
The bout was originally scheduled with Johnny Walker as Murzakanov's opponent. Walker and Murzakanov were initially set for UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales before moving to UFC 316 for unknown reasons. However, Walker withdrew in early May due to injury, bringing in Ribeiro as the replacement.
Murzakanov, who splits training time between Russia and his adopted home in New Jersey, had campaigned loudly for higher-level opposition and a main card slot after his knockout win in August 2024. The Kabardino-Balkaria native continued that campaign post-fight.
The 36-year-old opened explosively against Ribeiro. Despite his opponent's size, Murzakanov controlled distance perfectly and landed a nasty left hook to the forehead. The shot wobbled Ribeiro immediately, sending him crashing to the canvas along the cage.
"The Professional" rushed in for devastating ground-and-pound, unleashing a fusillade of left hands that left Ribeiro helpless against the fence. Referee Mike Beltran intervened at 3:25 of Round 1, perhaps allowing it to continue slightly longer than necessary but ultimately protecting the fighter.
The knockout represented Murzakanov's fourth inside the Octagon and 11th overall via strikes. His perfect 15-0 record (5-0 UFC) positioned him as a serious threat to the light heavyweight elite.
Post-fight, Murzakanov resumed his campaign for respect: "I think I am underrated. I need more fights. At least give me a five-rounder. I deserve a main event. Any fighter that can get me close to the title. The main fight of the night."
His petition carried weight given the dominant performances. Murzakanov would later face Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 321 in October 2025, winning by first-round TKO to continue his march toward title contention.
The Russian's journey included adversity - he served a two-year USADA suspension from 2017-2019 after testing positive for boldenone metabolites, then a six-month suspension from November 2024 to May 2025 after testing positive for LGD-4033 metabolites. His return and dominance showcased redemption.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Serghei Spivac - Heavyweight
Waldo Cortes-Acosta (Cuba/United States) def. Serghei Spivac (Moldova) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Former LFA Heavyweight Champion Waldo Cortes-Acosta earned a unanimous decision victory over veteran Serghei "Polar Bear" Spivac in a heavyweight bout that did little to address the division's desperate need for new title contenders. The dreary matchup highlighted the massive gap between champions Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall and the rest of the heavyweight division.
Spivac and Shamil Gaziev were originally scheduled for UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales before moving to UFC 316 for undisclosed reasons. However, Gaziev withdrew due to a broken finger sustained during training, bringing in Cortes-Acosta as the replacement.
The heavyweight clash proved sluggish throughout. Neither fighter did much noteworthy across fifteen minutes in a typical heavyweight affair lacking urgency or spectacular moments.
Cortes-Acosta's athleticism and strength tested Spivac's grappling and ground control, but the Cuban-American couldn't implement a dominant strategy. Similarly, Spivac's typically effective wrestling and positioning failed to overwhelm his opponent.
All three judges scored the bout for Cortes-Acosta - 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28 - reflecting his slight edge in an unremarkable contest.
The victory improved Cortes-Acosta to 14-1 professionally, maintaining his status as a heavyweight prospect despite the uninspiring performance. For Spivac, the loss represented another setback in his quest for top-10 positioning.
Andreas Gustafsson vs Khaos Williams - Welterweight
Andreas Gustafsson (Sweden) def. Khaos Williams (United States) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Swedish promotional newcomer Andreas Gustafsson dominated dangerous American striker Khaos Williams via shutout unanimous decision in his UFC debut. The comprehensive victory announced Gustafsson as a welterweight prospect worth monitoring despite both fighters enduring a tumultuous couple of weeks with multiple opponent changes.
Uroš Medić was originally expected to meet Williams on the preliminary card. However, Medić pulled out in late May due to sinusitis and was replaced by promotional newcomer Albert Tadevosyan. In turn, Tadevosyan failed his medical tests, so Williams instead faced another newcomer in Gustafsson, who was originally scheduled to compete at UFC on ESPN: Gamrot vs. Klein one week before.
Despite the late opponent change, Gustafsson looked comfortable and confident. The Swede utilized superior technique and game planning to neutralize Williams's explosive finishing power.
Williams always represents a knockout threat with his power and aggression. However, Gustafsson's movement and defensive awareness kept him out of danger while accumulating points across three rounds.
Two judges scored it 30-26 and one saw it 30-27 - all shutouts for the debuting Swede. The comprehensive victory in his first UFC appearance under difficult circumstances suggested significant potential.
For Williams, the lopsided defeat continued his struggles and raised questions about his future in the welterweight division.
UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs O'Malley 2 Early Preliminary Card Results
Wang Cong vs Ariane da Silva - Women's Flyweight (Early Prelim Featured Bout)
Wang Cong (China) def. Ariane da Silva (Brazil) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Chinese flyweight Wang Cong earned a shutout unanimous decision over Brazilian Ariane da Silva in a women's flyweight bout contested at catchweight after da Silva's massive weight miss. The victory improved Wang's UFC record despite the unusual circumstances.
At the weigh-ins, former KSW Women's Flyweight Champion Ariane da Silva weighed in at 132 pounds - six pounds over the flyweight non-title fight limit of 126 pounds. The egregious miss raised serious questions about da Silva's preparation and professionalism.
The bout proceeded at catchweight with da Silva fined 25 percent of her purse, which went to Wang as compensation for accepting the overweight opponent.
Despite the size disadvantage, Wang controlled the action throughout. The Chinese fighter's technique and conditioning proved superior across all three rounds, earning a clean sweep on the scorecards.
All three judges scored it 30-27 for Wang, reflecting her complete performance. The victory improved her UFC record while da Silva's weight miss overshadowed any potential positives from the performance.
The incident added to UFC 316's storylines about weight management and professionalism.
Yoo Joo-sang vs Jeka Saragih - Featherweight
Yoo Joo-sang (South Korea) def. Jeka Saragih (Indonesia) via KO (punch) at 0:28 of Round 1
In one of the most memorable UFC debuts in recent memory, undefeated South Korean prospect Yoo Joo-sang needed just 28 seconds to make a spectacular statement, knocking out Indonesian fighter Jeka Saragih with a crisp left hook. The devastating finish instantly put "Zombie Junior" on the map and earned him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
Yoo entered the UFC with an unblemished 8-0 record and an 11-fight winning streak overall. Training with "Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung, the 23-year-old prospect brought significant hype as one of South Korea's top featherweight talents.
Saragih, 14-4 entering the bout and 1-2 UFC, represented a dangerous opponent with finishing power. Only one of his 18 professional fights had reached the judges, showcasing his tendency toward violent conclusions.
The featherweight clash ended almost immediately. Yoo landed a picture-perfect left hook that shut Saragih's lights out, sending him crashing face-first to the canvas in brutal fashion. Referee intervention came at just 28 seconds of Round 1.
The spectacular knockout represented one of the fastest UFC debuts in promotional history. Yoo's precision, power, and composure under the bright lights announced him as a serious prospect in the loaded featherweight division.
The $50,000 bonus rewarded the spectacular finish and provided significant earnings for the debuting prospect. Yoo improved to 9-0 overall while Saragih dropped to 14-5 (1-3 UFC).
Quillan Salkilld vs Yanal Ashmouz - Lightweight
Quillan Salkilld (Australia) def. Yanal Ashmouz (Israel) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Australian lightweight Quillan Salkilld earned a shutout unanimous decision over Israeli striker Yanal Ashmouz in the card's opening bout. The victory continued Salkilld's momentum after his spectacular UFC debut earlier in 2025.
Salkilld turned heads at UFC 312 in February with a knockout in under 20 seconds, announcing himself as an exciting prospect. The Australian's height advantage and finishing power made him a threat in the lightweight division.
Ashmouz brought a 14-4 record with only one professional loss via decision. The powerful Israeli striker represented a versatile threat with the ability to finish fights multiple ways.
The lightweight clash went the full fifteen minutes with Salkilld controlling throughout. All three judges scored it 30-27 for the Australian, reflecting his comprehensive performance.
The victory improved Salkilld's UFC record to 2-0 while Ashmouz suffered a setback in his divisional climb.
MarQuel Mederos vs Mark Choinski - Lightweight (Card Opener)
MarQuel Mederos (United States) def. Mark Choinski (England) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
American lightweight MarQuel Mederos continued his strong rookie UFC campaign, earning a shutout unanimous decision over English fighter Mark Choinski. The victory improved Mederos to 3-0 inside the Octagon with three consecutive decision wins.
All three judges scored the bout 30-27 for Mederos, reflecting his consistent control and execution across fifteen minutes.
Choinski earned the unfortunate distinction of being the lowest-paid fighter on the card at just $16,000 for his losing effort. The English lightweight dropped to a disappointing UFC record.
Mederos's three-fight winning streak positioned him for tougher opposition in the loaded 155-pound division.
Notable UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs O'Malley 2 Information
Performance Bonuses
UFC 316 awarded four $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses with no Fight of the Night bonus:
Performance of the Night: Merab Dvalishvili earned the bonus for his historic third-round submission of Sean O'Malley, marking his first submission victory in the UFC and extending his winning streak to 13 fights.
Performance of the Night: Kayla Harrison collected the bonus for her dominant second-round kimura submission of Julianna Peña to capture the women's bantamweight championship in just her third UFC bout.
Performance of the Night: Kevin Holland earned his bonus for the slick second-round d'arce choke submission of Vicente Luque, marking his second consecutive victory.
Performance of the Night: Yoo Joo-sang's spectacular 28-second knockout debut earned him the bonus, announcing the South Korean prospect as a featherweight to watch.
Weight Miss and Catchweight Bout
Ariane da Silva created controversy by missing weight by six pounds, coming in at 132 pounds for the 126-pound flyweight limit. The former KSW Women's Flyweight Champion's egregious miss resulted in the bout proceeding at catchweight with da Silva forfeiting 25 percent of her purse to Wang Cong.
Event Attendance and Gate
UFC 316 drew 17,343 fans to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, generating a live gate of $6,501,177. The impressive numbers exceeded the previous UFC pay-per-view event held in Montreal, demonstrating Newark's viability as a UFC destination.
Celebrity Attendance
The event featured significant celebrity presence, most notably President Donald Trump sitting ringside. Kevin Holland created a viral moment by "dapping up" Trump post-fight. Additionally, retired legend Amanda Nunes attended, leading to the historic callout from new champion Kayla Harrison.
UFC Hall of Fame Announcement
During the broadcast, two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament winner Mark Kerr (UFC 14 and UFC 15) was announced as the next "pioneer wing" and final UFC Hall of Fame inductee for 2025 during International Fight Week festivities in Las Vegas in June.
Fighter Salaries
Merab Dvalishvili topped the disclosed payouts at an estimated $2.39 million for his title defense. Sean O'Malley collected $1.98 million despite the loss. Julianna Peña earned substantial purse despite losing her title, while Kayla Harrison's disclosed pay reflected her rising star status.
Mark Choinski earned the lowest disclosed payment at just $16,000 for his preliminary card loss. Overall, an estimated $9.8 million was distributed to fighters at UFC 316.
Historic Streaks and Records
Dvalishvili's victory extended his UFC winning streak to 13 fights - tied for fourth-longest in promotional history. His 11-fight bantamweight winning streak surpassed Aljamain Sterling's nine to become the longest in divisional history.
Mario Bautista's victory extended his streak to eight consecutive wins - third-longest active bantamweight streak behind Dvalishvili and Sterling.
Azamat Murzakanov improved to 15-0 overall with his fifth consecutive UFC knockout, maintaining his status as one of MMA's few remaining undefeated prospects.
Finish Rate
Seven of 13 fights ended in stoppages (three on the main card), while six went to decision. The 54% finish rate represented a solid number for a numbered pay-per-view event.
Title Implications and Callouts
Dvalishvili called for Cory Sandhagen as his next challenger, with Sandhagen ranked No. 4 and riding a 4-1 record in his last five fights. Dana White mentioned the possibility of a rematch with Umar Nurmagomedov, whom Dvalishvili defeated earlier in 2025, but indicated Sandhagen would get the first opportunity.
Harrison's immediate callout of Amanda Nunes created the potential for the biggest women's superfight in UFC history. Nunes confirmed her willingness to return from retirement for the bout, with Harrison targeting early 2026. The matchup between former ATT training partners captured fan imagination.
Julianna Peña's Training Camp Issues
Post-fight, Peña revealed suffering "several injuries" during her training camp that produced a "severe handicap" against Harrison. The revelation explained some of her struggles against the Olympic champion's overwhelming physicality and skill.
Event Analysis and Takeaways
UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs O'Malley 2 delivered a historic night in Newark that reshaped the bantamweight landscape at both men's and women's divisions. Merab Dvalishvili's submission victory over Sean O'Malley proved definitive, showcasing dramatic improvements to his striking game while maintaining his trademark relentless pressure. The Georgian champion's first UFC submission and 13-fight winning streak positioned him firmly among the sport's pound-for-pound elite.
Dvalishvili's improved boxing surprised observers who expected another wrestling-heavy performance. The evolution demonstrated his commitment to becoming a complete fighter rather than relying solely on cardio and takedowns. O'Malley's inability to adjust or find offensive rhythm raised questions about his future at 135 pounds after back-to-back losses to the same opponent.
Kayla Harrison's coronation as women's bantamweight champion fulfilled years of anticipation. The two-time Olympic gold medalist's dominance of Julianna Peña announced her as potentially the most dangerous female fighter in MMA. Her successful cut to 135 pounds - 30 pounds total - showcased remarkable dedication and opened up superfight possibilities.
The immediate callout of Amanda Nunes created the potential for women's MMA's biggest fight. Two former ATT teammates with Olympic/world-class credentials and championship pedigrees facing off for the bantamweight title represents a dream matchup. Nunes's willingness to return from retirement demonstrated the fight's significance.
Mario Bautista's complete shutdown of Patchy Mix provided the card's biggest upset. The former Bellator champion's inexplicable decision to strike rather than grapple against a superior boxer raised serious questions. Bautista's eight-fight winning streak positioned him as a legitimate title threat while Mix faces significant rebuilding after an embarrassing debut.
Joe Pyfer's cautious decision victory over Kelvin Gastelum disappointed after early promise. The prospect's unwillingness to take risks after dropping Gastelum early prevented the spectacular finish and allowed the veteran back into contention. Pyfer's apology post-fight suggested awareness of the missed opportunity.
Kevin Holland's submission of Vicente Luque showcased veteran excellence. The d'arce choke marked Holland's second consecutive victory and positioned him for a potential three-fight winning streak for the first time in five years. The submission also represented Luque's first stoppage loss in years, highlighting Holland's technical improvements.
Joshua Van's TKO of Bruno Silva continued the 23-year-old prospect's meteoric rise. Landing 125 significant strikes and tying Brandon Moreno for most flyweight 100+ strike performances demonstrated Van's volume and finishing ability. His busy schedule and rapid development suggested title opportunities ahead.
Azamat Murzakanov's first-round destruction of Brendson Ribeiro maintained his perfect 15-0 record and fifth consecutive UFC knockout. The Russian's campaign for higher-level opposition carried weight given his dominance. His petition for main event opportunities and five-round fights demonstrated justified confidence.
Yoo Joo-sang's 28-second knockout debut created an instant star. The South Korean prospect's crisp left hook and composure announced him as a serious featherweight threat while earning one of the night's Performance of the Night bonuses.
Ariane da Silva's six-pound weight miss created unnecessary controversy. The egregious overage demonstrated poor preparation and professionalism, resulting in financial penalty and catchweight bout.
The disclosed fighter pay revealed stark disparities - Dvalishvili's $2.39 million versus Mark Choinski's $16,000 highlighted the vast range in UFC compensation. The $9.8 million total payout reflected the card's significance.
President Trump's attendance alongside Amanda Nunes created a star-studded atmosphere that elevated the event's profile. The $6.5 million gate and 17,343 attendance demonstrated Newark's viability as a UFC destination.
Conclusion
UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs O'Malley 2 delivered a championship night that reshaped the bantamweight divisions and created blockbuster superfight possibilities. Merab "The Machine" Dvalishvili proved his dominance over Sean O'Malley with a third-round submission, showcasing improved striking while maintaining relentless pressure. The victory extended his winning streak to 13 fights and positioned him among the sport's pound-for-pound elite.
Kayla Harrison fulfilled her championship destiny with a second-round kimura submission of Julianna Peña, capturing the women's bantamweight title in just her third UFC bout. The two-time Olympic gold medalist's dominance announced her as potentially the most dangerous female fighter in MMA while setting up the superfight with Amanda Nunes.
The event's seven finishes across 13 fights provided action and memorable moments. Yoo Joo-sang's 28-second knockout debut, Kevin Holland's d'arce choke submission, and Azamat Murzakanov's brutal first-round TKO showcased the depth of talent throughout the card.
Mario Bautista's comprehensive shutdown of Patchy Mix in the Bellator champion's UFC debut extended his winning streak to eight and positioned him for title elimination fights. Joe Pyfer's decision victory over Kelvin Gastelum advanced his prospect status despite the cautious approach.
As Dvalishvili eyes Cory Sandhagen for his next defense and Harrison targets Amanda Nunes for early 2026, UFC 316 successfully set up compelling narratives for the remainder of 2025 and beyond. The Georgian champion's historic bantamweight winning streak, Harrison's Olympic pedigree now paired with UFC gold, and the depth of talent displayed throughout the card demonstrated the sport's health and competitive balance.
With $6.5 million gate, 17,343 attendance, and President Trump among the star-studded celebrity presence, UFC 316 represented one of 2025's signature events. The bantamweight championships now rest with two dominant, improving champions who represent the pinnacle of their respective divisions.
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