MMA News: Merab Dvalishvili dominates Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 to win Bantamweight Championship

MMA News: Merab Dvalishvili dominates Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 to win Bantamweight Championship

Despite arriving as the favorite for the main event, Sean O’Malley’s plans didn’t go as expected. Merab Dvalishvili seized the championship, leaving O’Malley empty-handed.

By Richard Tovar

Updated on September 15, 2024 02:08AM EDT

Merab Dvalishvili poses during a ceremonial weigh-in at Sphere on September 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dvalishvili is scheduled to challenge UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley for his title at UFC 306 on September 14 at Sphere.
© Getty ImagesMerab Dvalishvili poses during a ceremonial weigh-in at Sphere on September 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dvalishvili is scheduled to challenge UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley for his title at UFC 306 on September 14 at Sphere.

The most anticipated bout at UFC 306 in Las Vegas, held at the Sphere, finally came to a conclusion, with Merab Dvalishvili securing a victory over Sean O’Malley in the Bantamweight Championship main event. The fight was decided by unanimous decision (49-47, 48-47, 48-47), with Dvalishvili showing a significant advantage in strikes. O’Malley entered the fight with just one loss and 18 wins, while Dvalishvili had four losses and 17 wins.

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In the first round, both fighters were sizing each other up. Notably, O’Malley’s corner attempted to distract Dvalishvili, which the referee quickly warned them to stop. O’Malley landed the first dangerous blow, causing Dvalishvili’s nose to bleed. In the final seconds of the first round, Dvalishvili attempted a submission but failed, though he still won the round 10-9.

The second round saw Dvalishvili dominate, keeping O’Malley on the ground for most of the round. It ended with Dvalishvili landing some ‘kisses’ on O’Malley’s back, causing a bit of confusion. The third round was more of the same, with Dvalishvili outstriking O’Malley.

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