MIAMI – Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley got a first look at each other Friday after their UFC 316 bantamweight title rematch became official.
After Dvalishvili (19-4 MMA, 12-2 UFC) took the belt from O’Malley (18-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) by unanimous decision this past September, the pair will run it back in the main event of the June 7 card at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN/Disney+, ESPN+).
Leading into the first meeting, Dvalishvili and O’Malley had some heat between them. The tone has dramatically changed for the sequel, however, with both men expressing a degree of admiration toward each other.
That attitude was clear in the staredown, which was a respectful and professional scene.
Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley face off for the first time ahead of their #UFC316 title rematch. pic.twitter.com/YsTin94EHU
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) April 11, 2025
Check out the video above to see the Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley faceoff from the UFC 316 on-sale press conference.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 316.
