June 5, 2025
3 Minute Read
Dvalishvili vs O’Malley 2: UFC 316 Prediction & Betting Tips
Saturday | UFC 316 | MMA Betting Tips & Fight Predictions
UFC 316 promises fireworks in Las Vegas with a stacked card featuring two massive title bouts. Headlining the night, Merab Dvalishvili defends his bantamweight belt against Sean O’Malley in a high-stakes rematch. In the co-main event, Julianna Peña faces Kayla Harrison for the women’s bantamweight title in a showdown laced with tension and grit.
Main Event: Merab Dvalishvili vs Sean O’Malley 2
It’s déjà vu at 135lbs. Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili dominated Sean O’Malley in their first meeting to capture the title- a relentless display of cardio, takedowns, and pressure. Since then, he’s defended the strap by manhandling Umar Nurmagomedov and remains unbeaten in his last 10 bouts.
Meanwhile, Sean O’Malley returns after a long layoff, having not fought since losing his title in September 2024. Injuries have plagued his preparation, and questions remain about his durability and grappling defense.
O’Malley still holds knockout power, but against someone like Merab, who seems to breathe through a third lung, he’ll struggle to land clean. Expect another grinding, suffocating performance from Dvalishvili, who may even find a finish this time.
Prediction: Merab Dvalishvili to win via decision at 1.70.
Co-Main Event: Julianna Peña vs Kayla Harrison
This women’s bantamweight title clash has been brewing since Kayla Harrison’s arrival from the PFL. It took just two fights for her to get this shot, submitting Holly Holm and edging out Ketlen Vieira.
Peña is no pushover. The “Venezuelan Vixen” shocked the world against Amanda Nunes and reclaimed the belt by beating Raquel Pennington. She’s tough, scrappy, and excels in chaotic brawls.
However, Harrison is a different kind of monster. A two-time Olympic judo gold medallist with superior grappling and top control, she can neutralize Peña’s wild style. Peña may land more on the feet, but Harrison’s wrestling advantage should be enough to grind out a title win.
Prediction: Kayla Harrison via decision at 2.70.
Kelvin Gastelum vs Joe Pyfer
The fan-favourite Gastelum looks to turn back time against rising middleweight Joe “Bodybagz” Pyfer. Pyfer bounced back from a setback against Hermansson by brutally stopping Marc-Andre Barriault, and he’ll want another finish here.
Gastelum is experienced but fading. He’s lost six of his last nine and is taking big shots more often. Pyfer’s power and youth could overwhelm the former title challenger.
Prediction: Joe Pyfer via KO/TKO at 3.00.
Mario Bautista vs Patrick Mix
With Marlon Vera out, Bautista gets a surprise opponent in Patchy Mix, the former Bellator champ making his UFC debut. Both men are riding seven-fight win streaks, but Mix’s grappling pedigree makes him a serious threat.
That said, UFC experience matters. Bautista just beat Jose Aldo and has grown fight by fight. If he can stay off the mat, he has the tools to edge a close one.
Prediction: Mario Bautista via decision at 3.50.
Vicente Luque vs Kevin Holland
Two entertaining welterweights kick off the PPV as Luque meets Holland. Expect chaos from the start. Holland brings flair, but Luque is more well-rounded and durable.
Neither man is in top form- Luque is 2-3 in his last five, Holland 2-4 in his last six. But Luque’s pressure and grappling could tip the balance.
Prediction: Vicente Luque to win at 3.15.
