A thrilling 10-fight card unfolded at UFC 306 in Las Vegas, spotlighting the Sphere venue, which hosted its inaugural live sports event. The night showcased two title fights where Merab Dvalishvili and Valentina Shevchenko claimed championship titles. In addition to the title matches, fighters like Diego Lopes and Esteban Ribovics delivered impressive performances. Analysts Andreas Hale, Brett Okamoto, and Jeff Wagenheim shared their reflections on this memorable event.
In the main event, Dvalishvili showcased his grappling prowess against Sean O’Malley, marking a significant win to seize the bantamweight title. Dvalishvili secured six takedowns, below his usual dominance, yet he effectively prevented O’Malley from establishing his striking game. Despite O’Malley’s defensive efforts, Dvalishvili outstruck him significantly, throwing 310 strikes to O’Malley’s 91, and landing 214 punches compared to O’Malley’s 49. This performance underlined Dvalishvili’s evolution as a well-rounded fighter, raising questions about how he will adapt to future challengers.
In the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko reclaimed the women’s UFC flyweight title by defeating Alexa Grasso. Shevchenko executed a straightforward strategy, utilizing her grappling skills effectively throughout the fight, which included eight takedowns and over 16 minutes of control time. Though the match lacked excitement, it marked the end of an 18-month title drought for Shevchenko. At 36, Shevchenko’s reliance on her grappling may reflect a shift in her fighting style, focusing more on tactics than spectacular finishes. The possibility of a fourth match between Shevchenko and Grasso seems unlikely for now, with other contenders like Manon Fiorot and the winner of the upcoming Erin Blanchfield vs. Rose Namajunas fight in line for title opportunities.
The Sphere itself provided a unique and immersive experience for attendees, highlighted by its remarkable visual effects and setup. UFC CEO Dana White lauded the venue, stating it offered an unparalleled in-house experience, unlike any stadium event previously staged. The production quality created an electrifying atmosphere, captivating fans and enhancing the enjoyment of the fights.
However, opinions differed on the television experience. While viewers enjoyed some stunning visuals during breaks, many felt those did not significantly enhance the fight-watching experience itself. The focus remained on the bouts, as the UFC continued to prioritize the fights as the main attraction, even amidst the flashy production.