UFC 316 is poised to deliver a spectacular night of mixed martial arts, featuring a compelling bantamweight championship doubleheader on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The action will unfold at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The highly anticipated main event sees current champion Merab Dvalishvili in a rematch against former titleholder Sean O’Malley. In the co-main event, Julianna Peña defends her women’s bantamweight title against decorated PFL champion Kayla Harrison. This event promises significant implications for the bantamweight divisions and thrilling matchups for fans worldwide.
UFC 316 Event Details: Date, Start Time, and Location
Mark your calendars for this landmark UFC event. Here are the key details for UFC 316:
- Event: UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2
- Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
- Location: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
- Start Times (BST):
- Preliminary Card: 11:00 PM BST (Saturday, June 7th)
- Main Card: 3:00 AM BST (Sunday, June 8th)
UFC 316 Main Event Preview: Merab Dvalishvili (c) vs. Sean O’Malley – Bantamweight Title Rematch
The main event of UFC 316 features a captivating bantamweight championship rematch between reigning king Merab Dvalishvili and the popular former champion, Sean O’Malley. Their first encounter was a memorable battle that left fans eager for a second chapter, especially considering O’Malley was reportedly battling an injury during that fight yet still pushed Dvalishvili.
The rivalry between these two elite bantamweights has been intensifying, fueled further by UFC CEO Dana White’s recent announcement of this championship bout. With the bantamweight belt on the line, both Dvalishvili, known for his relentless pace and grappling, and O’Malley, famed for his dynamic striking, will be determined to make a definitive statement and secure their legacy in the division.
UFC 316 Co-Main Event Preview: Julianna Peña (c) vs. Kayla Harrison – Women’s Bantamweight Title
The co-main event is equally compelling, as UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña defends her title against Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic judo gold medalist and former PFL champion. This matchup presents an intriguing clash of styles. Peña is recognized for her tenacity and striking prowess, confidently stating, “I’m ready to show that I can stand and trade with anyone in this division.”
Harrison, on the other hand, brings a formidable judo and ground game, asserting, “I’ve trained for this moment my entire life, and I believe my judo will give me the edge needed to capture that title.” The bout is a significant moment for women’s MMA, showcasing two athletes with impressive credentials and raising questions about whether striking or grappling will dominate.
Notable Main Card Matchups at UFC 316
Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix (Bantamweight)
A crucial fight in the bantamweight division, with both fighters known for striking complemented by grappling skills. The winner could move significantly closer to a title opportunity.
Joe Pyfer vs. Kelvin Gastelum (Middleweight)
Rising talent Joe Pyfer looks to cement his place among the middleweight elite against the seasoned veteran Kelvin Gastelum, creating a classic youth vs. experience dynamic.
Kevin Holland vs. Vicente Luque (Welterweight)
This welterweight contest is expected to be a fan-pleaser, featuring two fighters renowned for their striking power and propensity for exciting finishes.
Key Preliminary Fights to Watch at UFC 316
Bruno Silva vs. Joshua Van (Flyweight)
Both known for explosive striking and finishing ability, this bout could be a show-stealer.
Ariane Lipski da Silva vs. Cong Wang (Women’s Flyweight)
An intriguing matchup in the women’s flyweight division.
Serghei Spivac vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (Heavyweight)
A clash of formidable heavyweights.
Khaos Williams vs. Uros Medic (Welterweight)
Another fight with potential fireworks.
Full UFC 316 Fight Card
Main Card (3:00 AM BST, Sunday, June 8th)
- Bantamweight Championship: Merab Dvalishvili (c) vs. Sean O’Malley
- Women’s Bantamweight Championship: Julianna Peña (c) vs. Kayla Harrison
- Bantamweight Bout: Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix
- Middleweight Bout: Joe Pyfer vs. Kelvin Gastelum
- Welterweight Bout: Kevin Holland vs. Vicente Luque
Preliminary Card (11:00 PM BST, Saturday, June 7th)
- Flyweight Bout: Bruno Silva vs. Joshua Van
- Women’s Flyweight Bout: Ariane Lipski da Silva vs. Cong Wang
- Heavyweight Bout: Serghei Spivac vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta
- Welterweight Bout: Khaos Williams vs. Uros Medic
- (Other preliminary fights may be announced)
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Night of MMA Awaits
UFC 316 is shaping up to be an unforgettable night in the promotion’s history. The Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley rematch and the Peña vs. Harrison title fight provide incredible storylines and high-stakes championship action. Complemented by a strong undercard of established names and rising stars, fans at the Prudential Center and watching globally can anticipate a night filled with drama, skill, and intense competition as fighters battle for glory and their legacies. The outcomes of these pivotal matchups will undoubtedly reshape their respective divisions.
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