Dvalishvili defeats O’Malley to win bantamweight title at UFC 306

Merab Dvalishvili is the new UFC bantamweight champion, with the Georgian putting on a suffocating performance to take the belt from Sean O’Malley in the main event of UFC 306 in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

The 33-year-old was in charge virtually all 25 minutes of the fight as judges awarded Dvalishvili a unanimous decision win, scoring it 49-46, 48-47 and 48-47.

In the build-up to the fight, Dvalishvili had predicted that he would dominate O’Malley on the ground, and that is exactly how this clash unfolded.

Despite being a $2.10 underdog with UFC bookmakers heading into the title fight, Dvalishvili applied consistent pressure moving forward.

He frustrated his opponent by catching kicks and turning them into takedowns, overwhelming the American when action was on the ground.

“I can go 15 more rounds like this,” declared Dvalishvili after his victory.

“I have a belt, I win, everybody knows I dominated this guy.

“Today I wasn’t feeling any different than any other day.

“I was actually curious why I wasn’t feeling that I was fighting for a UFC belt.

“Today was a normal day for me.

“As you see, I don’t spend my energy.

“Crazy. I feel I’m in a dream.

“Today, I’m the best fighter in the UFC. I proved!”

Dvalishvili remains undefeated since debuting in the UFC in 2020, improving his record in the promotion to 9-0.

O’Malley’s UFC record now drops to 10-2 with one no contest, suffering his first loss since August 2020.

Fighters react to UFC 306 main event

In the immediate aftermath of UFC 306, several big names in the industry have reacted online to Dvalishvili’s defeat of O’Malley.

“From sugar to shit!” said Henry Cejudo, former two-division champion in the UFC.

“That’s what a fair fight looks like against the best guy in the world!” said former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, who lost to O’Malley last year.

“None of that stacking deck bullshit to get an advantage!”

Perhaps the most intriguing reaction to the fight was from bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov.

“White Papakha vs Black Papakha, have to be,” wrote Nurmagomedov, implying that a fight against him was the next logical step for Dvalishvili.

“Right now you champion. You deserve this belt.”

Dvalishvili would not be drawn on who he wants to fight next, with the Georgian instead saying after his victory that his immediate desire is to “be close” to UFC CEO Dana White.

“I respect and love Dana White, whatever he wants.

“Now I’m champion, I want to be close.

“I want him to know me more better.

“I respect him. Dana White changed my life.

“Now look at me, I’m the UFC champion!”

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