UFC Lightweight Title Defended by Merab Dvalishvili in Winning Performance
The UFC returned to the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, USA, on June 28, with an exciting lineup of fights. However, the spotlight was on the events of the previous tournament, UFC 316, which took place on June 7, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark.
In the main event, current UFC lightweight champion Merab Dvalishvili successfully defended his title in a highly anticipated rematch against Sean O'Malley. Dvalishvili, who debuted in the UFC on December 9, 2017, and has a record of 20 wins against 4 losses, secured a submission victory over O'Malley with a neck crank in the third round at 4:42. O'Malley, who became UFC lightweight champion in August 2023 by defeating Aljamain Sterling via TKO in the second round, holds a record of 18 wins (12 by knockout), 3 losses, and 1 no-contest in MMA.
In the co-main event, Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic judo champion, claimed the UFC lightweight title. Harrison, who made her UFC debut in January 2024, submitted Julianna Peña via a Kimura armbar in the second round at 4:55, marking a significant victory in her career.
Looking ahead, the upcoming UFC lightweight championship fight is set between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira. However, specific details or results about this fight were not available in the UFC 316 coverage or the search results provided.
Other notable performances at UFC 316 included Azamat Murzakanov, ranked 12th in the light heavyweight division, who defeated Brazilian Brendson Ribeiro via TKO in the first round. Additionally, Ju Sang Ung knocked out Indonesian Jack Saragih in the first round, and Performance of the Night bonuses were awarded to Merab Dvalishvili, Kayla Harrison, Ju Sang Ung, and Kevin Holland.
The successful title defenses and the exciting future lightweight championship showdown promise an engaging UFC season ahead. Stay tuned for more updates on the UFC's upcoming events.
Sports enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the upcoming UFC lightweight championship fight between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira. Meanwhile, the previous tournament, UFC 316, witnessed thrilling performances from current champions Merab Dvalishvili and Kayla Harrison, as they successfully defended their titles in their respective matches.
