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Dana White Unveils Epic Matchups for UFC 316 in Newark: Rematches and Rising Stars!

2025-04-01

Author: Jessica Wong

In an exciting announcement that has sent shockwaves through the MMA community, Dana White has confirmed two monumental title fights set to take place at UFC 316 on June 7 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Main Event: Dvalishvili vs O'Malley

The main event features a thrilling rematch between bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and the UFC's fan-favorite superstar Sean O’Malley. This clash comes less than a year after Dvalishvili’s dramatic victory over O'Malley at UFC 306, where he claimed the belt with a decisive five-round unanimous decision.

Dvalishvili, known for his incredible stamina and relentless pressure, showcased his championship grit earlier this year by successfully defending his title against the previously unbeaten Umar Nurmagomedov. After trailing in the early rounds, Dvalishvili displayed his elite cardio and tenacity, sweeping the final three rounds on all judges' scorecards. With 12 consecutive wins, the 34-year-old fighter hopes to solidify his legacy further with another victory over the formidable “Suga.”

On the other side of the Octagon, O'Malley is ready to bounce back after his heart-wrenching loss and is determined to reclaim his title. The fighter's considerable skills and striking power make him a constant threat, and fans are eager to see if he can crack the code that is Dvalishvili’s game plan.

Co-Main Event: Peña vs Harrison

In the co-main event, women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Peña will defend her belt for the first time since regaining it last October, taking on the rapidly rising star Kayla Harrison. Peña, known for her resilience and fierce fighting style, secured her championship at UFC 307 with a narrow split decision win over Raquel Pennington.

She achieved fame when she pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history by submitting the legendary Amanda Nunes at UFC 269 – a feat that will forever be etched in MMA lore.

Harrison, who made her UFC debut in 2024, quickly stormed her way to the top of the bantamweight division. She captured attention with an impressive second-round submission victory against former champion Holly Holm at UFC 300, showcasing her elite grappling skills. Most recently, she secured a significant win over Ketlen Vieira, confirming her status as a legitimate title contender.

Conclusion