UFC 306 delivered a jaw-dropping result when Merab Dvalishvili extended his win streak to 12 by defeating UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley. In a night filled with excitement, Dvalishvili’s victory was a dominant display of wrestling prowess and unyielding pressure, catching the attention of many in the mixed martial arts world, including UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier.
Cormier, speaking from Las Vegas, was quick to praise Dvalishvili’s performance, noting how the Georgian fighter’s relentless style has consistently overwhelmed his opponents. “Many people thought this could be a stylistic problem for Sean,” Cormier commented. “But when you’re the champion, you have to face the most dangerous challengers. And tonight, Merab did exactly what he’s been doing—he mauled and frustrated Sean to the point where he almost rendered him helpless.” Cormier added that Dvalishvili is on a path to becoming a dominant champion, and the MMA world should be excited about what the future holds for him.
Dvalishvili’s victory was a culmination of his well-known strategy: relentless pressure and superior wrestling. Throughout his 12-fight win streak, Dvalishvili has showcased his ability to neutralize his opponents’ strengths, often leaving them with few options to respond. This fight was no different, as he imposed his game plan from the start, securing crucial takedowns and neutralizing O’Malley’s striking.
O’Malley, who entered UFC 306 as the reigning bantamweight champion, was seen as a dangerous striker, with many predicting that his reach and movement could pose problems for Dvalishvili. However, it became clear early in the fight that Dvalishvili’s pressure was too much for the champion to handle. As Cormier pointed out, “Dvalishvili’s ability to maul and smother is his greatest asset, and tonight he showed why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division.”
Beyond the Dvalishvili-O’Malley matchup, UFC 306 was filled with excitement, but it was Dana White’s announcement that stole the spotlight. UFC President White confirmed that Jon Jones is set to defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden this November. This will mark Jones’ first title defense since winning the heavyweight belt, and it’s a long-awaited matchup that has fans buzzing.
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Cormier, who has fought both Jones and Miocic, offered his perspective on the upcoming bout. “This is a big-time fight,” he said. “Madison Square Garden is the home of heavyweight championships, from boxing to mixed martial arts. You’re bringing two of the greatest fighters of all time—Jon Jones, universally considered the best, and Stipe Miocic, the most successful heavyweight of all time. This fight deserves to be under the bright lights of New York City.”
Both Jones and Miocic haven’t fought in over a year, with Jones last competing 18 months ago and Miocic out of action since 2021. Despite their time away from the Octagon, the anticipation surrounding their matchup is immense, with many considering it one of the most important heavyweight fights in UFC history. “These are two guys I know well,” Cormier said. “I fought them five times, and I can tell you—this is going to be a competitive fight.”
As UFC 306 fades into memory, the anticipation for UFC’s November event only grows. Fans have much to look forward to, and as Cormier hinted, Madison Square Garden will once again play host to a battle for the ages.