Merab Dvalishvili faced off against former champion “Suga” Sean O’Malley, five months after their initial encounter in which Dvalishvili took the title from O’Malley. In this latest match, Dvalishvili showcased his wrestling prowess while also surprising fans with a submission attempt. In the final moments of the third round, he effectively employed a modified D’Arce choke that led to O’Malley tapping out, solidifying Dvalishvili’s dominance with a creative finish.
Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria is on a thrilling trajectory in his career. Following a stellar 2024, where he claimed and defended the featherweight title with impressive victories over two legendary champions, he has made a strong start to 2025. Last weekend, Topuria stepped into the Octagon to challenge Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in the main event of UFC 317. Leading up to the fight, Topuria expressed his respect for Oliveira, acknowledging the stakes and aiming to achieve “Double Champ” status with a predicted first-round knockout.
These recent developments highlight the dynamic nature of the UFC, with fighters like Dvalishvili and Topuria continually pushing their limits and redefining their careers. As they ascend to new heights, the anticipation for their next bouts grows, promising thrilling matches for fans.
Given the trajectory of both fighters, there is a strong sense of excitement in the UFC community as they continue to assert their dominance in their respective divisions.