UFC 306 LIVE: Sean O’Malley dominated by Merab Dvalishvili at ‘Noche’ event in Sphere
Re-live the action, after Sean O’Malley lost his bantamweight belt to Merab Dvalishvili in Las Vegas
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Your support makes all the difference.In the main event of UFC 306 on Saturday, Sean O’Malley lost the men’s bantamweight title to a dominant Merab Dvalishvili at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
“Sugar Sean” O’Malley was making his second defence of the belt, having won it from Aljamain Sterling with a picture-perfect knockout last August, before retaining it with a masterclass against Marlon Vera in March.
But the American star faced a stern test on Saturday, as he encountered a challenger on a 10-fight win streak. Georgia’s Dvalishvili entered the Sphere on the back of three straight victories against former champions: Henry Cejudo, Petr Yan and Jose Aldo.
And Dvalishvili added O’Malley’s name to that list by outwrestling the striking specialist for the best part of 25 minutes. O’Malley had his moments, including one scything elbow that cut open his challenger, but there was no doubt about the result when the scorecards arrived – with all of them in Dvalishvili’s favour: 49-46, 48-47, 48-47.
And in the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko outpointed Alexa Grasso to regain the women’s flyweight belt, having previously lost to the Mexican and drawn with her in their first two meetings.
Re-live updates and see all results from UFC 306, below.
UFC 306 LIVE: Sean O’Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili
Round two
Merab is moving at a frantic pace and O’Malley is finding it difficult to pinpoint him - “a butterfly in a windstorm” as Din Thomas elloquently said. Whether he can maintain this speed, we will see.
The Georgian manages to land a third takedown in four attempts before engaging in a bit of ground and pound. Dean does brilliantly to spot an infringement from O’Malley on the ground as he grabs the inside of Merab’s glove - a stern warning follows.
Merab keeps Suga on the ground and is wailing shots on him, chipping away before trying to lock in a choke.
With O’Malley up against the fence with a few seconds to go, Merab starts kissing - yes, kissing - the champ’s back. He is then ordered to get up by Dean before getting clocked in the back of the head by a frustrated Suga as the buzzer goes.
UFC 306 LIVE: Sean O’Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili
Round one
Strange start as Dvalishvili starts yelling at Tim Welch in O’Malley’s corner - AFTER the bout had begun. Dean calls time and tells Merab to get his head in the game.
To the actual fighting and Suga connects with a couple punches early on. However, it’s Merab who appears to do the most damage in the first, landing a heavy strike before succeeding in two takedowns.
An encouraging first five minutes for Merab.
UFC 306 LIVE: Sean O’Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili
Walkouts completed, giant holograms bypassed, fighters introduced.
Five rounds scheduled for the bantamweight title. Here we go...
UFC 306 LIVE: Sean O’Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili
This is what we’ve been waiting for. In your main event, bantamweight gold on the line as the division’s most worthy challenger looks to shut down the Suga Show.
Sean O’Malley is making his second defence of the belt, having won it from Aljamain Sterling with a picture-perfect knockout last August, before retaining it with a masterclass against Marlon Vera in March.
The American star may face a stern test in Las Vegas, however, as he encounters a challenger on a 10-fight win streak. Georgia’s Merab Dvalishvili enters the Sphere on the back of three straight victories against former champions: Henry Cejudo, Petr Yan and Jose Aldo.
It’s a bout that’s been years in the making. Fireworks are guaranteed.
UFC 306 LIVE: Alexa Grasso vs Valentina Shevchenko
Round five
More of the same. Shevchenko remains ever-determined to win her exchanges, completely controlling Grasso on the ground. A career-best eight takedowns landed throughout the contest - a sensational grappling display.
Grasso sees the occasional opportunity for a hail-mary submission go begging and as the buzzer sounds, we know what’s coming from Bruce Buffer. ANDDDDD NEWWWWWW!
Valentina Shevchenko def. Alexa Grasso via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Ruthlessly efficient from the Kyrgyzstani Queen.
UFC 306 LIVE: Alexa Grasso vs Valentina Shevchenko
Round four
Once again, Shevchenko starts by going for the takedown - but this time she gets caught in a guillotine!
Grasso needs a finish and it could come now as she sinks the choke in further. The crowd are on the edge of their seats, probably for the first time in the contest.
However, Shevchenko manages to escape and regains control to see out the round. This is a grappling clinic from the Kyrgyzstani, who is on the verge of regaining her flyweight title.
UFC 306 LIVE: Alexa Grasso vs Valentina Shevchenko
Round three
The first couple minutes of round three remain on the feet - an improvement for Grasso, but she still struggles to cause any trouble for Shevchenko. The champ looks almost lost at how to foil her opponent.
Soon the inevitable occurrs and Shevchenko has Grasso on the ground, frustrating the Mexican further. Two rounds to go and Grasso needs a finish to retain her belt.
UFC 306 LIVE: Alexa Grasso vs Valentina Shevchenko
Round two
Shevchenko takes Grasso down within the first minute and keeps hold of control for much of the second.
That said, the champ is finding success with butterfly and yet again threatened with a triangle. At one point, an armbar looked on the verge of being locked in, only for Shevchenko to basically shrug off Grasso’s attempt and regain side control.
Grasso did briefly escape but within moments was back on the ground. She needs to find a way of staying on her feet and putting her striking to good use.
UFC 306 LIVE: Alexa Grasso vs Valentina Shevchenko
Round one
First of a potential five rounds starts off snappy as Shevchenko lands a couple early right hooks. The former champ is looking hungrier than ever and secures a takedown without exerting much effort.
Shevchenko looks in control as the pair grapple on the mat - but Grasso issues a warning as she threatens to lock in a triangle armbar.
Nevertheless, over three minutes of ground control all but guarantees that round one goes to Shevchenko.
UFC 306 LIVE: Alexa Grasso vs Valentina Shevchenko
Flyweight is gold on the line!
Alexa Grasso defends her belt against division icon Valentina Shevchenko in a long-awaited trilogy bout.
Grasso submitted Shevchenko in a shock result in 2022, before the pair fought to a controversial draw in 2023.
For so long, Shevchenko looked imperious at the helm of 125 - but Grasso has proved her cryptonite. Can she finally find a way to overcome the Mexican champ and wrestle back her title?
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