UFC 306 took place at the Sphere in Las Vegas, marking the venue’s first live sporting event. The fight card featured two title bouts, with Merab Dvalishvili and Valentina Shevchenko winning their respective championships. Other notable performances came from fighters like Diego Lopes and Esteban Ribovics. Analysts Andreas Hale, Brett Okamoto, and Jeff Wagenheim shared their insights on this significant evening.
Dvalishvili, a grappler, showcased his skills against “Suga” Sean O’Malley, preventing him from utilizing his striking abilities. In a one-sided main event, Dvalishvili executed six takedowns, a lower count than usual but sufficient to control the match. Despite O’Malley’s successful defense against nine takedown attempts, he struggled to mount an effective offense. Dvalishvili outstruck O’Malley significantly, landing 214 strikes compared to O’Malley’s 49. This strategic dominance enabled Dvalishvili to retain control throughout the fight, illustrating a transformation in his fighting style to incorporate formidable standup and ground skills.
In the co-main event, Shevchenko regained her women’s flyweight title from Alexa Grasso. By implementing a straightforward strategy that capitalized on her grappling capabilities, Shevchenko achieved eight takedowns and maintained over 16 minutes of control time. Although the fight lacked excitement, Shevchenko’s approach effectively thwarted Grasso, allowing her to reclaim the title after an 18-month absence. At 36, Shevchenko continues to adapt her style, focusing on grappling over striking as she seeks to reinforce her legacy in women’s MMA.
While discussions about a fourth match between Shevchenko and Grasso linger, it is anticipated that both fighters will face other contenders first. Potential challengers include Manon Fiorot and the winner of the upcoming fight between Erin Blanchfield and Rose Namajunas.
The experience at Sphere was described as groundbreaking by Okamoto, who praised the venue’s ability to enhance the in-person fan experience. UFC CEO Dana White, usually skeptical of stadium shows, highlighted how the Sphere was designed to optimize spectator engagement. The venue’s spectacular visuals complemented the fights, creating an unparalleled atmosphere.
For television viewers, the experience was engaging but arguably lacked the immersive quality enjoyed by those attending in-person. The visuals, while impressive, often subsided into the background during fights, reaffirming the UFC’s core promise that the bouts themselves are the main attraction, regardless of the elaborate production elements involved.