NEWARK, N.J. – Merab Dvalishvili showcased his dominance over Sean O’Malley on Saturday night, securing a submission victory in the third round at UFC 316 held at the Prudential Center. Dvalishvili (20-4) snatched the bantamweight championship from O’Malley (18-3) with a unanimous decision in September, in a competitive fight but with a clear victory for Dvalishvili. Saturday’s rematch left no doubt. Dvalishvili outstruck O’Malley and outlanded him in strikes during the first two rounds, finishing the fight with a D’Arce choke at 4:42 of the third round.
This victory represents Dvalishvili’s thirteenth consecutive win, tying for the fourth-longest record in UFC history. It also puts him in a tie for the fourth-most wins in bantamweight history, with 12.
O’Malley, who underwent hip surgery and made several significant changes in his life before the rematch, accepted the defeat with sportsmanship. Dvalishvili was unstoppable from the start. According to UFC statistics, he outstruck O’Malley in total strikes by 135-34. Dvalishvili landed five of 12 takedowns and accumulated more than six minutes of control time. Dvalishvili secured his third title defense, the second being against Umar Nurmagomedov, cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, in January. Dvalishvili is expected to face the number 1 contender, Cory Sandhagen, in his next fight.I just work every day and repeat. Training is the most important thing for me. After that, I can go out, enjoy with friends, go to church, look for a wife, whatever.
Merab Dvalishvili
