1. Opening Snapshot: Moment of Triumph
On June 7, 2025, inside Newark’s Prudential Center, Georgia-born bantamweight champion Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili once again demonstrated why he has become the UFC’s most relentless force. He locked in an exceptionally rare north–south choke on former champ Sean O’Malley, forcing the tap at 4:42 of Round 3 and successfully defending his title at UFC 316.
2. Fight Breakdown: From Stand-Up to Submission
In the early stages, Merab mixed sharp striking with aggressive takedowns, constantly pushing O’Malley backward and dominating the Octagon space . O’Malley found some offensive rhythm in Round 2, landing strikes—but it wasn’t enough to alter Merab’s game plan.
By Round 3, Dvalishvili escalated his grappling pressure. After securing another takedown, he transitioned fluidly into the north–south choke—an uncommon finish in modern MMA—forcing the tap and making a statement: he’s still the boss at 135 pounds.
3. Southern Comfort? Make That North–South Dominance
The north–south choke isn’t seen often in world-class bouts. Its rarity highlights Dvalishvili’s elite grappling prowess. This marked his first submission win by choke and sealed a now 13-fight win streak, tying him among the best finishers in UFC history.
4. Statistical Smackdown
Let’s talk numbers:
- Total strikes landed: Merab 141 vs. O’Malley 34
- Takedowns landed: 5 of 12 attempts
These stats tell a clear story: Merab didn’t just win—he controlled, imposed, and overwhelmed.
5. What It Means for MMA
This victory isn’t just another win; it cements Dvalishvili’s third successful title defense and continues his relentless rise. ESPN has him ranked as a top-5 pound-for-pound fighter, and whispers of a showdown with No. 1 contender Cory Sandhagen are already swirling.
6. O’Malley’s Response: Grace in Defeat
Despite the loss and a handful of notable life changes—including a return to older habits (like quitting social media)—O’Malley remained composed. He acknowledged Merab’s dominance and seemed ready to refocus… Perhaps plotting a comeback that starts in training and ends in redemption .
7. UFC 316’s Wider Impact
The card delivered on many fronts:
- Kayla Harrison clinched the women’s bantamweight title with a Kimura submission over Julianna Peña
- Kevin Holland locked in another submission bonus
Combined, UFC 316 lived up to its hype: title drama, elite grappling, breakout performances, and unforgettable moments—all adding fuel to the UFC legacy 🔥.
🔚 Final Take
Merab Dvalishvili’s masterful performance at UFC 316 not only secured his bantamweight crown but elevated his status to all-time great levels. With a rare submission, a dominating win streak, and his next challenge in sight, “The Machine” isn’t just the champion—he’s rewriting the playbook for modern MMA.
What’s your take—should Dvalishvili square off with Cory Sandhagen next? Drop a comment, and stay tuned for more UFC insights.