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UFC 316 Fights of Note
Some Picks and Previews for The UFC's Return to Newark
Ed Carbajal
June 07, 2025
Photo: UFC
UFC
UFC 316
The rematch at UFC 316 is one that oddsmakers have going the same way as the last time Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley squared off, but I don’t think it’s as lopsided as it seems. Plus, the women’s bantamweight division could get a renewed interest if Kayla Harrison can dethrone Julianna Peña.
We’ll look at those two fights and one that should be on your radar if it isn’t already.
Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2
It probably will go the way the last one went, BUT…
… I have my reasons why it might not.
In the last bout, in the last round, I think O’Malley found a hole in Dvalishvili’s “all gas-no brakes” style. He landed a kick to the body that Dvalishvili reacted to, and I think he goes there again in Newark Saturday night. There was video footage of him practicing kicks to the body, so I think he goes there early.
If it works, he could slow down the machine that is Dvalishvili.
Peña vs. Harrison
I have a hard time not picking Harrison to win.
She’s an Olympic gold medalist, and those athletes do everything differently from other athletes. I think she has a strength advantage, not only because of how she looks, but she started her career fighting at 155.
Peña would be wise to avoid the clinch or any other form of grappling. Yes, she’s good, but Harrison seems to be a little more than she can handle.
Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix
Patchy Mix walked away from Bellator as their bantamweight champion.
He enters the UFC with a record of 20-1, with 13 of those wins by way of submission. His only loss was to Juan Archuleta by way of decision in a close fight. At 31 years old, he’s in his prime, facing the UFC ranked number 10 fighter in Bautista.
If he wins, he could be fighting for a title by the end of the year, and I think he will.
Full Preview
If you want to see the full breakdown and hear some other news on the UFC broadcast deal, check out this week’s Coast-2-Coast Combat Hour:
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for some exciting entertainment, these fights are sure to deliver.
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