UFC 316 is on the horizon, featuring a highly anticipated main event: a bantamweight title rematch between champion Merab Dvalishvili and former champion Sean O’Malley. Their initial encounter at UFC 306 resulted in Dvalishvili claiming the title via decision. The co-main event adds further intrigue with a women’s bantamweight championship bout between Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison, carrying potential implications for a future showdown with Amanda Nunes. Three writers from MMA Fighting convened to delve into the significant storylines surrounding UFC 316.
The Main Event: Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2 Rematch
The writers offered varied opinions on the rematch`s appeal.
Mike Heck: My interest has risen significantly from a low initial point (2.5/10) to a high one (at least 8/10). I love the narratives, and the stakes are quite high. A win for Dvalishvili: Does it cement him as the greatest bantamweight ever? If he loses, does that conversation change? For O’Malley, a second loss raises questions: Does he move up like Rich Franklin suggested, or does he clear out contenders like Max Holloway did to earn another shot? I`m fascinated by these possibilities.
Alexander K. Lee: I’m at 7/10, which feels generous but should be the minimum for a title fight. Like many, my first thought after their initial meeting was, “Okay, done with that for now.” I wasn`t thrilled O’Malley got an immediate rematch. But given the current challengers – Umar Nurmagomedov might be the only compelling alternative immediately available, while others like Cory Sandhagen aren`t timed right, Petr Yan has been seen, and others like Aiemann Zahabi or Mario Bautista aren`t top contenders – I’ve convinced myself this rematch is interesting. I`m buying into the arguments for running it back. So, 7/10.
Jed Meshew: I`m honestly shocked by those high scores. This is one of the rare times I remember open fan backlash when a fight was announced. I`m giving it a 2/10, generously. It`s one of the worst title bookings recently. O’Malley had just one defense before losing, and that was against Chito Vera, a fight many felt he didn`t deserve. He also lacked great wins before becoming champion. Giving him an immediate rematch after a clear decision loss just nine months ago is preposterous. The first fight wasn’t fun to watch – I doubt many have rewatched it. The likely outcome is a repeat of that boring performance. My biggest issue is Merab Dvalishvili himself. He`s undeniably the best bantamweight and arguably the greatest, but he isn`t interesting. He’s an exceptional fighter who used his skills for a dominant title run, which I respect, but watching him compete doesn`t excite me. It`s like how James Harden’s focus on three-pointers and free throws made me dislike basketball – breaking the game is smart and effective, but not always entertaining. If I wanted to see a cardio contest, I`d watch CrossFit. Until Merab tries to hurt opponents instead of just tiring them out, I won’t be excited for his title fights.
State of the Women’s Bantamweight Division
The state of the women`s bantamweight division also drew different perspectives.
Alexander K. Lee: I`m not sure I understand the question – is something wrong with the division? *chuckles* Okay, even with rose-tinted glasses, I admit the women’s 135-pound roster might not be the most compelling. Can a masterpiece performance from Kayla Harrison change that? Not overnight, but a compelling, dominant champion always helps. Don`t rule out Julianna Peña giving Harrison a tough fight and potentially earning a rematch. Peña is incredibly determined. Then there’s the Amanda Nunes factor. She won`t come back for Peña, but a matchup with her former training partner Harrison? That`s a legitimate pay-per-view headliner. Add the possibility of Valentina Shevchenko beating Zhang Weili and then moving up for another superfight with Harrison, and we could see some real buzz around this division again.
Jed Meshew: No. This division is dead, it just doesn’t know it yet. It`s like a character in a movie doing CPR, keeping the heart pumping but refusing to accept the truth. Kayla might win, and then maybe there’s the Nunes fight, which keeps it alive briefly, but to what end? There are no reinforcements coming. The UFC hasn`t developed this weight class, once a marquee women’s division. The roster is small, fights are infrequent, and no new talent is coming in. Look at the rankings – Chelsea Chandler is ranked based on one bantamweight win in 2019! Miesha Tate is still ranked! The only relatively new person who could make noise, Macy Chiasson, just lost a terrible fight. I say this with clear understanding: if Kayla Harrison wins, book her vs. Nunes for the final women’s bantamweight title. Make it a big deal, retire the belt, and sunset the division. Maybe bring it back in a few years, like they did with lightweight.
Mike Heck: Umm… kind of? It would be a combined effort for short-term salvation. Amanda Nunes is teasing a comeback, which I think only happens if Kayla Harrison wins the belt. I know many think Peña will get dominated, and that could happen. But I’m actually looking forward to this fight because I think Peña has a better chance than people believe. Harrison hasn’t faced many prolonged MMA battles, and her tough fights (loss to Larissa Pacheco, competitive decision vs. Ketlen Vieira) suggest Peña could close the gap the longer it goes. If Harrison wipes Peña out quickly, the appetite for Harrison vs. Nunes would be big. But what’s next? That’s a huge problem. Women’s 135 is in a rough spot because there are so few fighters.
Other Notable Fights on the Card
Looking at the rest of the card, the writers highlighted a few other matchups.
Jed Meshew: Oh wow, the rest of this card is… yeesh. Either the UFC heavily relies on O’Malley and Harrison for buys, or they gave up on this one. Usually, PPVs have 1-2 great fights up top and then mid-level bouts, or a collection of B+ fights. UFC 316 seems to have two mid title fights and a bunch of “DILLIGAFs” (Does It Look Like I Give A F***). Bold strategy. I`ll pass on discussing the fight against Mix (referencing a previously potential opponent), but Mix himself is a desperately needed breath of fresh air. After that, the most meaningful fight on paper is Serghei Spivac vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (ranked heavyweights!), but just no. Joe Pyfer vs. Kelvin Gastelum could be fun, but Pyfer comes with baggage. So I guess that leaves Vicente Luque vs. Kevin Holland as the only real choice (shout out to Joshua Van, who is always fun). Luque is 33 but fights like he’s 106, yet he`s still dangerous and fun. Holland hampered his career at middleweight but is back at 170 where he’s capable. I expect a good scrap, likely a Holland win, and maybe the last fun thing on Saturday night.
Mike Heck: Even though hardcore fans are buzzing, the casual audience needs to buy into Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix. I could write a thousand words on how much I love this fight. Mix was the last Bellator bantamweight champion and was largely sidelined after the PFL absorbed Bellator. PFL did the right thing by letting him go to the UFC where he can prove he’s the best 135-pounder. His last fight against Magomed Magomedov gave me pause – maybe he was unmotivated, or maybe Magomedov is better than people think. But this is perfect matchmaking. We`ll know Mix’s UFC ceiling in 15 minutes. If he steamrolls Bautista, especially with a finish, he’ll be a superstar and maybe get a title shot next. If he loses, he`ll likely be a perennial top-10 guy but won’t fight for a UFC title. Outside the two title fights, no one has more at stake than Mix.
Alexander K. Lee: I’m going with a deep cut: Azamat Murzakanov vs. Brendson Ribeiro. This is more of an endorsement for Murzakanov than the fight itself, as he’s a big favorite. But I`ve been impressed and think he`s not far from a title shot in the struggling light heavyweight division. At 36, Murzakanov has no time to waste and will aim to make a statement for his potential 5-0 UFC record and a case for a title shot. It’s buried on the prelims, but Murzakanov vs. Ribeiro could showcase a future title challenger.
