US Embassy congratulates Dvalishvili after title defence at UFC 316

The United States Embassy in Georgia has congratulated Merab Dvalishvili after the Georgian champion successfully defended his UFC Bantamweight title at UFC 316.

The event, hosted at the Prudential Center in Newark on the weekend, saw Dvalishvili secure a dominant victory over Sean O’Malley. The fight ended in the third round when Dvalishvili, famed for his relentless pressure and elite grappling, executed a north‑south choke, forcing O’Malley to submit as the clock ran down.

This win marks Dvalishvili’s second title defence and extends his winning streak to 13 - bolstering his status among the greatest Bantamweights in UFC history.

The fighter, known as “The Machine,” had previously claimed the title in September 2024 with a unanimous decision in their first encounter.

In a show of respect, O’Malley acknowledged Dvalishvili's dominance post-fight, praising his tenacity and expressing respect. 

Donald Trump, the US President, also made an appearance at UFC 316, attending the event cageside with UFC President Dana White.