UFC 316: A Detailed Analysis of the Fight Card
The UFC’s return to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, was marked by two title fights. At the UFC 316 event, a new queen was crowned and the bantamweight king consolidated his position as the best 135-pound fighter of all time.
However, excitement and fast-paced action were largely absent from the card, which opted for dominant demonstrations and performances. Was this enough to get a passing grade?
We analyze each fight and the card as a whole, based on the skill demonstrated, the competitiveness, and what was at stake. Here is the analysis of the 13 fights of UFC 316.
Men’s Bantamweight Championship: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley
Result: Dvalishvili defeats O’Malley by submission in the third round.Rating: B+
Dvalishvili delivered another suffocating and relentless performance, dominating O’Malley without showing signs of fatigue. His endurance and ever-evolving offensive skills are impressive. O’Malley attempted an initial game plan, but Dvalishvili changed the pace and submitted him with a rear-naked choke in the third round. The question now is whether we are witnessing the best bantamweight in UFC history.Women’s Bantamweight Championship: Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison
Result: Harrison defeats Peña by submission in the second round.Rating: B
Harrison dominated from the start, and Peña couldn’t counter the pressure. Harrison applied the pressure in the second round, taking Peña to the canvas and seeking the submission. Finally, Harrison secured a Kimura, securing the victory with five seconds remaining in the round. This performance raises questions about what a fight with Amanda Nunes would look like.Middleweight: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer
Result: Pyfer defeats Gastelum by unanimous decision.
Rating: D+
Pyfer took Gastelum down in the first minute, looking for a knockout. The fight went from a possible highlight to a boring match. Pyfer apologized for not getting the knockout, which makes it not very recommendable.
Men’s Bantamweight: Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix
Result: Bautista defeats Mix by unanimous decision.Rating: C
Although it wasn’t a bad fight, Mix didn’t meet expectations. The renowned grappler didn’t take the fight to the ground and chose to stand and trade with Bautista. It was a bad debut for Mix, but a great victory for Bautista.
Welterweight: Vicente Luque vs. Kevin Holland
Result: Holland defeats Luque by submission in the second round.Rating: B
Holland delivered one of his best performances, surprising Luque with an anaconda choke. He reminded everyone how dangerous he can be.
Men’s Flyweight: Bruno Silva vs. Joshua Van
Result: Van defeats Silva by TKO in the third round.Rating: B
Van demonstrated great precision and patience, surpassing Silva. After losing to Charles Johnson last July, Van has shown a notable improvement in each fight, making him a potential title contender.
Light Heavyweight: Azamat Murzakanov vs. Brendson Ribeiro
Result: Murzakanov defeats Ribeiro by TKO in the first round.
Grade: B-
Murzakanov earned his eleventh knockout victory, defeating Ribeiro in the first round. Murzakanov deserves a better opponent in his next fight.Heavyweight: Serghei Spivac vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta
Result: Cortes-Acosta defeats Spivac by unanimous decision.
Rating: D
The fight didn’t contribute anything to the heavyweight division, with a lackluster bout. This confrontation only highlighted the vast distance between Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall, and the rest of the division.
Welterweight Weight: Khaos Williams vs. Andreas Gustafsson
Result: Gustafsson defeats Williams by unanimous decision.
Rating: D+
Gustafsson dominated Williams, but the fight was unexciting due to the constant clinching.
Women’s Flyweight: Ariane da Silva vs. Wang Cong
Result: Wang defeats Da Silva by unanimous decision.
Rating: C
Wang dominated Da Silva, who had a weight disadvantage. Wang almost got a knockout with leg kicks, but couldn’t finish the fight. Although it wasn’t very competitive, it was a good demonstration of Wang’s skill.Peso Pluma: Jeka Saragih vs. JooSang Yoo
Result: Yoo defeats Saragih by KO in the first round.
Rating: A
Yoo achieved a spectacular knockout, similar to Conor McGregor’s style, with a left hook that knocked down Saragih. A work of art.Lightweight: Quillan Salkilld vs. Yanal Ashmouz
Result: Salkilld defeats Ashmouz by unanimous decision.
Rating: C
Salkilld dominated for two rounds, but Ashmouz reacted in the third. Salkilld secured the victory by showing his endurance.Lightweight: MarQuel Mederos vs. Mark Choinski
Result: Mederos defeats Choinski by unanimous decision.
Rating: C-
Mederos dominated with calf kicks, but failed to finish the fight. It was a solid performance, though not particularly exciting.
UFC 316 Fight Card Rating: C
If it weren’t for the outstanding performances of Dvalishvili, Harrison, Yoo, and Van, the card would have been disappointing. The main and co-main events showcased two rising stars with dominant performances. Van proved to be a future flyweight title contender, and Yoo delivered a knockout that will be remembered.
