Merab Dvalishvili def. Sean O’Malley via sub (R3, 4:42)
Kayla Harrison def. Julianna Peña via sub (kimura) (R2, 4:55)
Joe Pyfer def. Kelvin Gastelum via unanimous decision
Mario Bautista def. Patchy Mix via unanimous decision
Kevin Holland def. Vicente Luque via sub (D’Arce choke)
Joshua Van def. Bruno Silva via third-round TKO (4:01)
Azamat Murzakanov def. Brendson Ribeiro via first-round TKO (3:25)
Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Serghei Spivac via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Andreas Gustafsson def. Khaos Williams via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26 x2)
Wang Cong def. Ariane da Silva via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Joo Sang Yoo def. Jeka Saragih via first-round KO (0:28)
Quillan Salkilld def. Yanal Ashmouz via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
MarQuel Mederos def. Mark Choinski via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
On June 7, 2025, UFC 316 electrified the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with a stacked card headlined by two bantamweight title fights that showcased the division’s depth and intensity. The event, a mix of dominant performances, surprising upsets, and a potential superfight setup, left fans buzzing. Here’s a breakdown of the night’s biggest moments.
Main Event: Merab Dvalishvili Solidifies His Reign
In the main event, bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili faced off against former champ Sean O’Malley in a highly anticipated rematch. Dvalishvili, known for his relentless pace and grappling prowess, proved why he’s a nightmare matchup. From the opening bell, he pressured O’Malley with a blend of crisp striking and suffocating wrestling. O’Malley, coming off hip surgery and sporting a more disciplined approach, showed improved takedown defense early, thwarting several of Dvalishvili’s attempts. However, “The Machine” was unstoppable in the third round, dragging O’Malley to the canvas and locking in a north-south choke at 4:42 to secure the submission victory. Dvalishvili’s 13-fight win streak and back-to-back title defenses cement him as a dominant force at 135 pounds. Post-fight, he called out top contender Cory Sandhagen, setting the stage for another thrilling clash.
Co-Main Event: Kayla Harrison Claims Gold
The women’s bantamweight title fight saw two-time Olympic judo gold medalist Kayla Harrison challenge Julianna Peña. Harrison, a massive favorite, lived up to the hype with a commanding performance. Peña, known for her gritty wrestling, struggled to keep up with Harrison’s technical dominance. After controlling the first round and surviving a point deduction for Peña’s illegal upkicks, Harrison took over in the second. She secured a takedown, transitioned to a kimura, and forced Peña to tap at 4:55. Harrison’s victory not only crowned her the new champion but also sparked a massive moment when former two-division champ Amanda Nunes entered the cage, hinting at a blockbuster return to face Harrison. The respectful exchange between the two fighters has fans dreaming of an epic showdown.
Joe Pyfer vs. Kelvin Gastelum: This middleweight bout promised fireworks but delivered a tactical, somewhat lackluster decision. Pyfer scored two knockdowns in the first round with sharp right hands, but Gastelum’s veteran savvy kept him in the fight. The crowd booed the slower pace, but Pyfer’s activity earned him a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27). Pyfer apologized for the “boring” fight, citing ring rust after back surgery, while Gastelum’s UFC record dropped to 13-10.
Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix: Former Bellator champ Patchy Mix made his UFC debut with high expectations, but Mario Bautista stole the show. Bautista’s speed and precise striking overwhelmed Mix, who couldn’t find his rhythm in a kickboxing-heavy fight. Bautista cruised to a unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27), extending his win streak to eight and likely climbing the bantamweight rankings.
Kevin Holland vs. Vicente Luque: Holland brought his signature flair to this welterweight clash, engaging in mid-fight trash talk before locking in a D’Arce choke in the second round at 1:03. The submission win over Luque showcased Holland’s versatility and dangerous ground game, prompting him to call out Colby Covington post-fight.
Preliminary Card Standouts
Andreas Gustafsson: The newcomer made a statement in his UFC debut, overwhelming Khaos Williams with relentless pressure to earn a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26 x2). His “Viking” mentality—no film study, just fight—won over fans.
JooSang Yoo: The debutant delivered a jaw-dropping first-round knockout against Jeka Saragih, signaling his arrival as a prospect to watch.
Joshua Van: Van closed the prelims with a third-round TKO over Bruno Silva at 4:01, showcasing his striking prowess and earning his fourth straight win.
Azamat Murzakanov: The light heavyweight stayed undefeated with a first-round TKO of Brendson Ribeiro at 3:25, countering a low kick with devastating punches.
Waldo Cortes Acosta: In a heavyweight upset, Cortes Acosta outlasted Serghei Spivac for a unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2), showing resilience against Spivac’s early aggression.
