UFC 316: O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili – The Rematch Nobody Asked For

The UFC just announced its main event for UFC 316, and let me tell you, it’s not exactly setting the MMA world on fire. Bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley will defend his title against Merab Dvalishvili in what the promotion is desperately trying to sell as a can’t-miss rematch.

But is this really the bantamweight showdown we’ve all been clamoring for? I’m not so convinced.

A “Rematch” Five Years in the Making

Let’s get one thing straight – calling this a rematch is a stretch thinner than Dana White’s patience at a press conference. O’Malley and Dvalishvili fought way back in 2019 on the prelims of UFC 252, with Merab securing a rather forgettable decision win. Neither fighter was ranked at the time, and frankly, few people even remember this bout happened.

Now, five years later, the UFC is trying to repackage this as some epic rivalry continuation. It’s like calling your high school basketball scrimmage the precursor to an NBA Finals matchup.

The Curious Case of Deserving Contenders

Don’t get me wrong – Merab Dvalishvili is absolutely deserving of a title shot. The Georgian has bulldozed his way through the division with ten straight wins, including dominant victories over former champions Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo.

But the marketing angle here feels forced. This isn’t Conor vs. Nate or Izzy vs. Alex – matchups with genuine bad blood and dramatic first encounters. This is the UFC trying to manufacture excitement for what is essentially a fresh matchup between two completely different fighters than who they were in 2019.

The Champion’s Curious Path

O’Malley has been an interesting champion, to say the least. After knocking out Aljamain Sterling to claim the title and avenging his loss to “Chito” Vera, many expected him to face either Dvalishvili or Umar Nurmagomedov next.

Yet there was that bizarre flirtation with moving up to face Alexander Volkanovski, plus the constant talk about boxing. It feels like the UFC had to strong-arm “Suga” into taking this fight against the division’s most deserving – but perhaps least marketable – contender.

“Insert image of Sean O’Malley celebrating after the Vera win here”

Why This Fight Actually Matters

Despite the awkward marketing angle, this is a fascinating stylistic matchup that will answer real questions about both fighters:

• Can O’Malley keep the fight standing against perhaps the division’s most relentless wrestler?
• Has Merab improved his striking enough to hang with one of the UFC’s most technical strikers?
• Will O’Malley’s questionable gas tank hold up against Dvalishvili’s infamous cardio machine?

The first fight tells us virtually nothing about how this one will go. O’Malley was a raw prospect then, not the polished champion he is now. Merab was still developing his smothering style, not the cardio demon who breaks opponents with pace.

The Betting Odds Reveal the Truth

Interestingly, early betting lines have this fight nearly dead even, with O’Malley only a slight favorite. That tells you everything you need to know – this isn’t a rematch, it’s essentially a fresh fight between two elite fighters who happen to have crossed paths before.

I’ll be honest – as much as the “rematch” angle feels forced, I can’t wait to see these two lock horns again. O’Malley’s creative striking against Merab’s relentless pressure is the kind of stylistic clash that makes this sport great.

The Bantamweight Picture Post-UFC 316

Whoever emerges victorious at UFC 316 will face no shortage of hungry contenders. Umar Nurmagomedov remains undefeated and looming in the shadows. Cory Sandhagen continues to build his case for another title opportunity. The division is stacked.

But for now, the focus is on this “rematch” that feels more like a first-time meeting between two dramatically improved fighters. Let’s just hope the UFC stops pushing the revenge narrative and focuses on what this fight actually is – a legitimate championship bout between the division’s most electrifying striker and its most overwhelming grappler.

Will You Be Watching?

Despite the questionable marketing, UFC 316 is shaping up to be one of the summer’s biggest cards. Are you planning to catch O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili? Who do you think takes home the belt? Drop a comment below with your prediction!

And if you’re in Brevard County, why not join us at our local UFC viewing party? Details coming soon!