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UFC 316: Merab Dvalishvili vs Sean O'Malley 2 Preview ,Tips, Odds and Predictions

Date: Saturday, 8 June 2025 Time: 04:00 AM UTC+1 Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA SportsBoom previews the much-anticipated bantamweight title rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley at UFC 316, live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, 8 June 2025. With the rivalry burning hotter than ever after a five-round decision in their last encounter, fans and punters alike are circling this one. For those betting on MMA, our MMA sports betting hub has UFC betting insights, MMA betting sites, and the best online MMA betting platforms.

Joshua Gaillard
J.G.

Last Updated: 2025-06-05

Chad Nagel

7 minutes read

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Merab Dvalishvili reacts after a decision victory against Umar Nurmagomedov

Merab Dvalishvili reacts after a decision victory against Umar Nurmagomedov

Revenge or Repeat? Bad Blood Boils Over

Merab Dvalishvili gets his long-awaited chance to erase a blemish on his resume, while Sean O'Malley looks to prove lightning can strike twice. Their first clash at UFC 306 ended with O'Malley taking a controversial unanimous decision—one that many felt was swayed by flash over substance. Since then, both fighters have remained in the title conversation, but Dvalishvili’s 12-fight win streak speaks louder than any post-fight mic drop.
O’Malley, coming off a loss to his current opposition, is out to re-establish his flair and fire. But this isn’t just about rankings—it’s about pride. With Dvalishvili labelling the last fight a robbery and O'Malley mocking his style as "glorified grinding," expect intensity from the first bell.

Pre-Fight Odds and Win Probability: O'Malley Slight Favourite

  1. Merab Dvalishvili: 2.20 (6/5) – 45.5%

  2. Sean O’Malley: 1.70 (7/10) – 58.8%

    Odds courtesy of Stake, subject to change.

    Among top-tier online sports betting sites, Stake offers sharp lines and props that reflect the stylistic chess match ahead. O'Malley may be the slight favourite, but Dvalishvili's wrestling-heavy game plan gives this matchup far more nuance than the odds suggest.

Tale of the Tape

Attribute 

 

Merab Dvalishvili
Sean O'Malley
Age 3430
Height 5’6” (168 cm)5’11” (180 cm)
Weight 135 lbs (61 kg)135 lbs (61 kg)
Reach 68.0” (173 cm)72.0” (183 cm)
Record 19-4-018-2-0, 1 NC
KO/TKO 16% (3 wins)81% (11 wins)
Submission 5% (1 win)11% (2 wins)
Decisions 79% (15 wins)28% (5 wins)

Dvalishvili gives up height, reach, and knockout power to the rangier and more explosive O'Malley. While "Suga Sean" boasts a staggering 81% KO/TKO rate, Merab brings relentless pressure, unmatched cardio, and a grinding style that nullifies flash with force. If this turns into a war of attrition, Dvalishvili holds the advantage, but O'Malley’s kill-shot potential makes every exchange a danger zone. As always, styles make fights.

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Merab Dvalishvili News

Merab Dvalishvili enters UFC 316 with one of the most impressive active win streaks in the UFC: twelve straight. The Georgian powerhouse is best known for his tireless cardio, relentless wrestling, and ability to break his opponents mentally before ever finishing them physically. His recent win over Henry Cejudo showcased just how overwhelming he can be when allowed to dictate pace, chaining takedown attempts with punishing clinch pressure. Many believe that had he not been overlooked in his first fight with O'Malley, the judges would’ve scored it his way.
Since that loss, Merab has done everything but fade. He outpointed Petr Yan in a dominant display and followed that up with a five-round decision win over Umar Nurmagomedov, in a fight that tested his endurance and timing. Having trained extensively with Aljamain Sterling and now operating out of Syndicate MMA, Merab has added more polish to his striking while doubling down on his grappling threat.
Injury-free and hungry for revenge, Dvalishvili views this bout as more than a title opportunity—it’s redemption. He has publicly called O’Malley’s win a “gift” and insists the rematch will look nothing like the first. With more tools in his kit and an even bigger chip on his shoulder, Merab’s mission is clear: dominate, finish, and leave no doubt.

Sean O'Malley News

Sean O’Malley finds himself at a crossroads ahead of UFC 316. Once the division’s darling with a highlight reel full of walk-off KOs and viral finishes, the “Suga Show” hit a bump in the road with a decisive loss to Merab. That performance cast doubt over his takedown defense and his ability to handle elite grapplers—an issue that will be front and center against Merab Dvalishvili.

Still, don’t be too quick to write off the former champ. O'Malley’s striking remains among the sharpest in the division. His footwork, creativity, and timing are nightmares for flat-footed fighters, and when he lands clean, it’s usually lights out. He’s rebounded from setbacks before—bouncing back from the Vera loss with surgical wins over Raulian Paiva and Marlon Vera in their rematch.
His first fight with Merab may have raised eyebrows, but it also proved one thing: he can survive the grind if he paces himself. For this rematch, O’Malley has brought in high-level wrestlers for his camp, aiming to preempt the suffocating takedown pressure. If he can create just enough distance to let his hands fly, he can change the course of the fight in a flash.
There’s a lot at stake here. A win restores his momentum and marketability. A loss? It reopens questions about whether O’Malley was ever built to last in a wrestler-heavy division.

Suggested Bets

Make the most of your welcome bonus by considering the selections below, each offering value based on fighter styles and recent form.

  1. Fight to Go the Distance – Yes: Dvalishvili has only three finishes in 19 wins, while O'Malley’s last three have gone to the judges. (5/6 with Stake)

  2. Dvalishvili to Win by Decision: He’s made a career out of grinding opponents down and convincing judges. (2/1 with Betway)

  3. Over 3.5 Total Rounds: These two are durable and tactical when pressured. (4/5 with 1xBet)

Value Bets

High-reward punting isn’t just about taking a shot, it’s about seeing a path others might miss. 

  1. O’Malley by KO/TKO in Round 2: He’s explosive and often settles in after the first frame. (11/2 with BC.Game)

  2. Draw (Fight Result): With razor-close scoring in the first bout, a draw isn’t far-fetched. (13/1 with 888Starz)

  3. Merab to Land 6+ Takedowns: Not a traditional bet, but if the line is offered, hammer it. He averages 6.5 per fight. (Prop market with Stake, check closer to fight night)

Prediction: Merab by Decision

This one feels like a replay with clearer optics. Dvalishvili’s pressure is suffocating, and if he can neutralise O'Malley’s distance strikes early, he should cruise to a decision. O’Malley can crack, but Dvalishvili’s chin and gas tank are elite. Expect a wrestling-heavy game plan, takedown control, and more time on top than O’Malley will enjoy.

Joshua Gaillard
Joshua Gaillard Sports Writer

Joshua Gaillard is a freelance editor and dedicated Arsenal fan, known for creating fact-based, insightful content. His work, featured on top South African websites, blends analysis with engaging storytelling for clear, impactful articles.

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