Merab Dvalishvili dominates Sean O’Malley to win UFC 306 main event at The Sphere… after bizarrely KISSING his opponent on the head mid-fight
Merab Dvalishvili defeated Sean O’Malley to win the UFC bantamweight title at UFC 306 at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
In his highly anticipated title fight, Dvalishvili’s suffocating wrestling took over and he held the now former champion O’Malley in headlocks for most of the 25-minute match.
Dvalishvili’s overwhelming pace and fitness, combined with his disciplined game plan, earned him 49-47, 48-47 and 48-47 on the judges’ scorecards and the unanimous decision.
The match had some bizarre moments, including Dvalishvili engaging in a verbal exchange with O’Malley’s corner seconds into the match. Later in the match, Dvalishvili repeatedly kissed O’Malley on the back of the head in the closing minutes of the second round.
Despite this, he managed to hold off O’Malley’s attacks, marching forward and forcing the fight to the ground, where he was successful.
Merab Dvalishvili dethroned Sean O’Malley via unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 306
O’Malley failed to force his blow as his rival kept him on the canvas for five rounds
The win moves the newly crowned champion to 18-4 in his MMA career. On the other hand, O’Malley suffered his second loss, moving him to 18-2.
Suga Sean entered the fight after seeking revenge for his only loss to Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera in March.
O’Malley strung together 12 straight victories as a pro before facing Vera in 2020. Since then, the Montana native has gone six fights undefeated. O’Malley dethroned Dvalishvili’s training partner, Aljamain Sterling, from the bantamweight throne in August 2023 before correcting his only career mistake in March.
On the other hand, Dvalishvili came off the back of wins over Jose Aldo, Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo. The Georgian wrestler entered Saturday’s match riding a 10-fight winning streak.
UFC 306 was also called “Noche UFC,” in honor of Mexican Independence Day.
Valentina Shevchenko dominated Alexa Grasso to win a decision and regain her title
Diego Lopes extended his winning streak to five fights with a win over No. 3 featherweight Brian Ortega
The card featured seven fighters of Mexican descent, led by Alexa Grasso, who was dominated by Valentina Shevchenko, who completed the first women’s trilogy in UFC history.
For five rounds, The Bullet put her best foot forward and kept Grasso’s back to the canvas to regain her title via unanimous decision.
Before Saturday, Grasso dethroned Shevchenko via submission in March 2023. The duo met again in the inaugural edition of Noche UFC and fought to a controversial draw.
In a high-profile matchup, rising featherweight Diego Lopes extended his winning streak to five fights with a unanimous decision over No. 3 Brian Ortega.
The win moved the Brazilian to 26-6 and into serious contention for the 145lb title. On the other hand, T City went to 16-4 with the loss.