Merab Dvalishvili and Kayla Harrison Dominate UFC 316 with Championship Wins

Monster Energy celebrates a monumental night at UFC 316, as two of its elite MMA athletes, Merab Dvalishvili and Kayla Harrison, delivered dominant performances to emerge as champions in front of a sold-out crowd at the Prudential Center in Newark.

In the main event, 34-year-old Merab Dvalishvili from Tbilisi, Georgia, successfully defended his UFC Bantamweight World Championship title by defeating former champion Sean O’Malley via submission in Round 3. The high-stakes rematch headlined a stacked card and was broadcast live on ESPN+ pay-per-view, drawing over 17,000 fans to the arena.

Dvalishvili, known as “The Machine,” entered the Octagon with momentum, having previously taken the belt from O’Malley at UFC 306 and defended it against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311. From the opening bell, Dvalishvili set a relentless pace, mixing takedowns with striking combinations that kept O’Malley on the defensive. After a back-and-forth second round, Dvalishvili took control in the third, executing a takedown and locking in a North-South neck crank that forced O’Malley to tap at 4:42 of Round 3.

“I wasn’t showing this technique before. I have more tools in my pocket… Now it’s my time,” said Dvalishvili after the fight.

The victory not only solidified his reign as champion but also earned him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus from the UFC. In his post-fight interview, Dvalishvili hinted at a future title defense against Cory Sandhagen, setting the stage for another high-profile showdown.

Kayla Harrison Captures UFC Women’s Bantamweight Title in Co-Main Event

In the co-main event, Kayla Harrison (19-1), a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo and former PFL champion, made history by capturing the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship. The 34-year-old from Middletown, Ohio, submitted Julianna Peña with a kimura lock at 4:55 of Round 2, capping off a dominant performance.

Harrison, who earned her title shot after defeating Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307, showcased her elite grappling and ground control. After a strong first round that included a takedown and ground-and-pound, Harrison intensified the pressure in Round 2. She secured a takedown, transitioned to a dominant position, and locked in the submission just seconds before the round ended.

“This is for anyone who has ever felt hopeless and wanted to quit,” Harrison said. “I’m grateful to Peña for bringing out a better version of me.”

The win earned Harrison her first UFC title and a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. Immediately after the fight, she called out former champion Amanda Nunes, teasing a potential legacy-defining matchup.

UFC 316: A Night to Remember

With two title fights, two submission finishes, and two Monster Energy athletes standing tall, UFC 316 delivered one of the most memorable cards of the year. The event showcased the evolution of MMA’s elite and the continued dominance of Monster Energy’s top-tier fighters.

Stay tuned for what’s next as Merab Dvalishvili and Kayla Harrison continue their reigns at the top of the UFC.