UFC 306 is shaping up to be an action-packed event that fans won’t want to miss, headlined by a thrilling Bantamweight Championship clash between reigning champion Sean O’Malley and top-ranked challenger Merab Dvalishvili. Josh Gaillard previews the card.
O’Malley, the flashy and dangerous striker, looks to continue his rise to superstardom, while Dvalishvili, “The Machine,” brings his relentless grappling and tenacity into the Octagon, hungry for both the title and revenge on behalf of his friend and former champion, Aljamain Sterling. This matchup is set to define the future of the Bantamweight division, promising high stakes and non-stop action.
Main Event
Sean O’Malley 7/10 | Merab Dvalishvili 1/1
Bantamweight Championship
The main event showcases the classic striker versus grappler dynamic and promises to shape the future of the ultra-competitive 135-pound UFC division.
Sean O’Malley (18-1), the current Bantamweight champion, is known for his flashy style and lethal striking abilities. After capturing the belt last August with a second-round TKO against Aljamain Sterling, O’Malley successfully defended his title by dominating Marlon Vera in a five-round bout, avenging his only career loss.
O’Malley combines extraordinary speed, precision, and footwork with a keen ability to finish fights. His unorthodox techniques and colourful persona have made him one of the most popular fighters in the UFC, and he is now looking to cement his legacy by defending his title against the relentless Dvalishvili.
Merab Dvalishvili (17-4), known as “The Machine,” is a relentless grappler on a 10-fight win streak. Once considered an underdog after starting his UFC career with back-to-back losses, Dvalishvili has since established himself as one of the most dominant fighters in the Bantamweight division.
With victories over elite fighters like Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, and Henry Cejudo, Dvalishvili’s relentless pace, grappling expertise, and ever-improving striking have made him a serious threat to anyone in the division. Beyond the title on the line, Dvalishvili is driven by the desire to avenge his close friend and training partner Aljamain Sterling, adding an extra layer of intensity to this already high-stakes matchup.
Verdict: Sean O’Malley 7/10
Sean O’Malley is poised to defend his Bantamweight title by using his speed, precision, and unorthodox striking to outmaneuver Merab Dvalishvili. O’Malley’s footwork and ability to control distance will frustrate Dvalishvili’s grappling attempts, forcing him into striking exchanges where O’Malley excels. Expect O’Malley to capitalize on openings with sharp counters, leading to a late-round TKO victory.
UFC 306 Top Treble
- Daniel Zellhuber Win at 4/10
- Yazmin Jauregui Win at 19/100
- Irene Aldana Win at 17/20
Treble to win at 4/1
Full Card Predictions
Main Card: 04:00 CAT, Sunday, September 15
- Bantamweight Championship Sean O’Malley (7/10) vs Merab Dvalishvili (1/1): O’Malley
- Women’s Flyweight Alexa Grasso (68/100) vs Valentina Shevchenko (21/20): Shevchenko
- Featherweight Brian Ortega (27/20) vs Diego Lopes (52/100): Lopes
- Lightweight Daniel Zellhuber (4/10) vs Esteban Ribovics (17/10): Zellhuber
- Flyweight Ronaldo Rodriguez vs Ode’ Osbourne: Rodriguez
Preliminary Card: 02:00 CAT, Sunday, September 15
- Women’s Bantamweight Irene Aldana (17/20) vs Norma Dumont Viana (17/20): Aldana
- Lightweight Ignacio Bahamondes (19/20) vs Manuel Torres (76/100): Torres
- Women’s Strawweight Yazmin Jauregui (19/100) vs Ketlen Souza (32/10): Jauregui
- Flyweight Edgar Chairez (17/10) vs Joshua Van (41/100): Van
Early Preliminary Card: 01:30 CAT, Sunday, September 15
- Bantamweight Raul Rosas Jr. (1/9) vs Aorqileng (46/10): Rosas Jr.
