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UFC fighters react to Merab Dvalishvili submitting Sean O'Malley

Originally posted on MMA Weekly | By A.K. Jones | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 9:12 AM ET

Dvalishvili took control of the fight almost immediately, landing clean shots and taking O'Malley to the canvas several times. But in the third round, Dvalishvili found his way to a submission, earning a finish over O'Malley.

Here's how UFC reacted to the moment.

Merab really is a machine!!
#UFC316
— Ode' ⭕️sbourne (@OdeOsbourne) June 8, 2025

Hell of a fight!!! Let’s go
— JOSH EMMETT (@JoshEmmettUFC) June 8, 2025

This pace is intense what a main event #ufc316
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) June 8, 2025

Merab doin what be does best
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) June 8, 2025

Merab looked better than ever! Boxing and submission. #UFC316
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) June 8, 2025

Great win Merab! Honestly this wasn't a fight, but straight bullying #ufc316
— Manel Kape (@ManelKape) June 8, 2025

Merab is amazing #UFC316
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) June 8, 2025

This is the second time the two bantamweights have faced off. In their first meeting, Dvalishvili dominated with his wrestling to earn a decision over O'Malley at the historic Noche UFC event last year.

After the fight, O'Malley thanked the fans for coming out to the fight and gave Dvalishvili props for the win.

This article first appeared on MMA Weekly and was syndicated with permission.

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