UFC 306 Live: Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili

The UFC is making history this Saturday as it debuts at the Sphere in Las Vegas, a venue touted as a game-changer for fan experience. Dana White has promised this card will be “the greatest live sporting event of all time.” The main event at UFC 306 features bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley defending his title against top contender Merab Dvalishvili.

O'Malley, who captured the bantamweight title at UFC 292 with a surprising win over Dvalishvili’s teammate Aljamain Sterling, successfully defended his belt earlier this year with a dominant performance against Chito Vera at UFC 299. Now, O'Malley aims to further solidify his status as the best 135-pound fighter with another impressive showing.

On the other side, Dvalishvili, often considered the uncrowned king of the bantamweight division, is on a remarkable 10-fight win streak that stretches back to 2018. His victory over former champion Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 has positioned him as a formidable contender. Now, he seeks to avenge his teammate's loss and establish his own legacy at 135 pounds.

Check out the live blog for the UFC 306 main event below.

**Pre-Fight:**

- The anticipation builds as the main event approaches. Excitement is high as the UFC confirms Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic for a future bout.

- The Sphere's final graphic display is striking, reminiscent of a CGI movie, but the event’s pacing remains smooth.

- As Dvalishvili makes his entrance with a night city backdrop, O'Malley’s entrance features "Superstar" by Lupe Fiasco, highlighting his star power.

**Round 1:**

- O’Malley and Dvalishvili touch gloves reluctantly, and the fight begins.

- O’Malley quickly asserts himself with striking, but Herb Dean briefly halts the action without explanation.

- Dvalishvili lands a solid inside leg kick and attempts a spinning wheel kick that misses. O'Malley lands a body punch and counters well.

- Dvalishvili’s first takedown is met with some resistance, but he maintains control with strikes and knees to the thigh.

- A scramble ends with Dvalishvili attempting a guillotine, but they separate as the round concludes.

*MMA Fighting scores Round 1: 10-9 Dvalishvili.*

**Round 2:**

- A warning is issued to Tim Welch for "excessive coaching."

- O'Malley connects with a straight right to the body, but Dvalishvili takes him down again and works from full guard.

- O’Malley attempts an omoplata and a triangle, but struggles with Dean's admonishments and returns to guard.

- Dvalishvili controls the action against the cage with knees and occasional guillotine attempts, ending the round with a flurry of activity.

*MMA Fighting scores Round 2: 10-9 Dvalishvili.*

**Round 3:**

- O’Malley starts slow but manages to land some body shots. Dvalishvili’s takedown attempt is countered with knees and strikes from O'Malley.

- Dvalishvili lands some effective knees and takes O'Malley down again, but O'Malley manages to escape and land some late punches.

- The round is closer, with O'Malley showing resilience but Dvalishvili maintaining control.

*MMA Fighting scores Round 3: 10-9 Dvalishvili.*

**Round 4:**

- O'Malley tries to wear down Dvalishvili with body punches, but the Georgian fighter continues to press with effective takedowns and ground control.

- Dvalishvili maintains dominant position with punches and elbows while O'Malley struggles from the bottom.

- The round ends with another guillotine attempt from Dvalishvili and a flurry of strikes.

*MMA Fighting scores Round 4: 10-9 Dvalishvili.*

**Round 5:**

- O'Malley, needing a big comeback, shows signs of fatigue.

- Dvalishvili lands a big overhand right and a takedown, continuing his dominance with knees and ground control.

- O'Malley lands a front kick that visibly hurts Dvalishvili, but is unable to capitalize as Dvalishvili secures another takedown and avoids significant damage.

*MMA Fighting scores Round 5: 10-9 Dvalishvili, 50-45 overall.*

**Official Decision:**

- **Dvalishvili wins by unanimous decision** with scores of 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47.

**Post-Fight:**

- Despite some controversy over the scoring, the right fighter was declared the winner. Dvalishvili’s strategy and stamina earned him the victory.

- The Sphere’s atmosphere quiets down post-fight, reflecting on the tactical battle rather than pure excitement.

- Dvalishvili expresses his satisfaction and pride, focusing on his future challenges, with Umar Nurmagomedov being highlighted as a potential next opponent.

That wraps up our coverage of UFC 306. Thanks for following along!