UFC 316 brings an exciting night of fights to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Fans can look forward to two major title bouts featuring top athletes like Merab Dvalishvili and Julianna Peña.
In the main event, bantamweight champion Dvalishvili (19-4) faces Sean O’Malley (18-2, 1 NC) in a highly anticipated rematch. Dvalishvili is known as “The Machine” for his impressive cardio, and he has built the longest win streak in UFC bantamweight history, winning 11 consecutive fights. He won the title last September by beating O’Malley, then retained it with a memorable performance against Umar Nurmagomedov in January.
O’Malley, popular for his striking skills, aims to reclaim the title after losing to Dvalishvili in their last bout. His flashy fighting style has made him a fan favorite, and he rose to fame after knocking out Aljamain Sterling to capture the bantamweight title in 2023.
The co-main event features Julianna Peña (12-5), the UFC women’s bantamweight champion, defending her title against Kayla Harrison (18-1). Peña won her title back in October, while Harrison has quickly made a name for herself in the UFC, boasting a perfect record since joining.
Interestingly, both fighters have faced adversity throughout their careers. Peña once lost a fight that many expected her to win, but she bounced back stronger, showing her resilience. Meanwhile, Harrison, a two-time Olympic champion, uses her background in judo to dominate her opponents.
The preliminaries kick off at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and Disney+, leading into the main card at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ pay-per-view. The lineup includes several other exciting matchups, including Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer and Vicente Luque vs. Kevin Holland.
As the UFC continues to grow, events like UFC 316 highlight the sport’s rising popularity. In recent years, UFC viewership has surged, with millions tuning in to watch big fights. Social media trends show fans passionately discussing their favorite fighters and eagerly anticipating match outcomes.
Want more insights on UFC events? Check out the official UFC website for the latest news and statistics. The energy and excitement surrounding each fight make it a thrilling sport to follow.
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Merab Dvalishvili, Kayla Harrison, Julianna Peña, UFC, Sean O’Malley, Prudential Center, ESPN