At UFC 316 on Saturday, Sean O'Malley aims to reclaim the bantamweight championship from current titleholder Merab Dvalishvili. O'Malley, previously the champion, lost the title to Dvalishvili in September 2024. This fight marks O'Malley's return after that defeat. Co-main event features Julianna Peña defending her title against Kayla Harrison. Betting experts highlight the intensity and strategies expected in the main event, implying O'Malley will face challenges due to Dvalishvili's pressure and grappling.
"This [pick] has nothing to do with O'Malley. I just think in order to beat Merab, you have to be the bantamweight version of the late Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson. There has to be that one-punch, 'shut-off' power. O'Malley fights so well at range, but I don't think Merab is going to give him space to do what he does best."
"It will be slightly closer and more competitive than their first [fight], but I think Merab's intensity will be a little too much for O'Malley. And ultimately, O'Malley won't be able to stay off his back."
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