Overview

• Dvalishvili secured victory at UFC 316 by applying a north-south ninja choke in the third round at the Prudential Center in Newark to defend the title he first won at UFC 306.
• Coach Tim Welch acknowledged that Dvalishvili entered the rematch as a “different animal,” showcasing improved striking accuracy and unmatched cardio.
• O’Malley confessed to feeling unprecedented nervousness during the fight, citing respect for Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and ground control.
• The submission marked the first stoppage loss of O’Malley’s career and highlighted the champion’s evolution since their unanimous decision encounter at UFC 306.
• Despite the defeat, O’Malley expressed no regrets and indicated he will return to training while considering new opponents in the bantamweight division.