UFC 316 is all set for Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This is one of the biggest events on the UFC summer calendar. Expect a night of intensity, skills, and explosive matchups.
Two championship fights feature on the card. The title fights are just curtain-raisers for an already stacked night of action. Contestants across several weight classes will keep the fans entertained. From the flyweight category all the way through heavyweight, every division is represented here.
The main card will begin at 10 p.m. ET and will be available on ESPN+ pay-per-view. Preliminary bouts begin much earlier at 6 p.m. ET.
The Prudential Center will soon be filled with loud MMA fans. Fighting will be a stage for fighters from around the world. Every fight is important. Every moment could become a highlight.
Expect drama, high-caliber competition, and mind-blowing finishes with UFC 316. It may well be one of the biggest UFC events to take place come 2025.
Main Event: Bantamweight Championship Rematch
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley (Bantamweight Championship)
UFC 316 is headlined by what perhaps is the most awaited rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley. Both have a lot on the line. Dvalishvili holds the title of the current bantamweight champion. He won their first fight at UFC 306 via unanimous decision.
Dvalishvili applied continuous wrestling and never gave Sean O’Malley a moment of pause. He also set records for takedowns and control times. O’Malley had difficulty against the grappling attack; his striking was mostly neutralized.
Since then, O’Malley has put in a long road of hard training with MMA legend Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, training focused on improving grappling and takedown defense. O’Malley is still an elite striker. He remains with knockout power and sharp stand-up skills.
But Dvalishvili’s unrelenting pace and wrestling is nothing short of dangerous! Cardio and all, he just wears his opponents down with pressure over time. If O’Malley is unable to keep this fight standing, he will surely spend another tough night ahead.
Prediction: Dvalishvili wins by unanimous decision. His wrestling and pressure will control the fight from start to finish. O’Malley’s best chance is to stay on his feet and use his striking. But Dvalishvili’s dominance on the mat makes him the favorite. This rematch should be another hard-fought battle.
Co-Main Event: Women’s Bantamweight Championship
Julianna Peña (c) vs. Kayla Harrison
Kayla Harrison vs. Julianna Peña (Women’s Bantamweight Championship)
One of the features of UFC 316 of co-main event is embedded really brilliant grapplers Kayla Harrison and Julianna Peña, which left behind very happy fans since this is an event of wrestling and grappling at a high level in many techniques.
Kayla Harrison is a two-thronged judo Olympian even before the time she gained that right to have been crowned as the most powerful lightweight fighter in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Recently, she made her debut in the fold of UFC, and with her impressive win over Ketlen Vieira, she shocked everybody impressed at the strength that she has within herself as well as her judo expertise.
Julianna Peña is the current reigning champion and has the title of women’s bantamweight champion. She’s kind of known for her toughness, heart, and submission skills; currently figuring her way to get back to the title after winning it again at UFC 307 from Raquel Pennington. People have written so many good things about her, especially regarding her resilience and grit in a cage.
In contrast, Harrison’s judo throws opponent easily, making it somewhat tricky to escape their reach, while Peña relies on taking the opponent down to add ground-and-pound to her top control which proves to be quite dangerous for any opponent.
Peña has to be very smart in this battle, because taking her down will usually mean bad news. Staying off her back is going to be important for her, but then again, that’s not easy given the strength and technique of Harrison.
Prediction: Harrison wins by unanimous decision. Her superior grappling and physicality should decide the fight. This will be a battle of control and skill, with Harrison likely to come out on top.
Main Card Bouts
Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix (Bantamweight)
This fight was not the original plan. Mario Bautista was set to face Marlon “Chito” Vera. But Vera had to pull out. Now, Bautista will fight Patchy Mix. Mix is a dangerous newcomer to the UFC.
Patchy Mix is known for his world-class submission skills. His ground game is excellent. If the fight goes to the mat, Mix becomes a big threat.
Bautista is a well-rounded fighter. He has solid stand-up and decent wrestling. But he must avoid grappling exchanges with Mix.
If Bautista can keep the fight standing, he has a chance. However, on the ground, Mix has a clear edge.
Prediction: Patchy Mix by submission.
Joe Pyfer vs. Kelvin Gastelum (Middleweight)
This fight was delayed due to illness. Now it is finally happening. Joe Pyfer is young and powerful. He is aggressive and has knockout power.
Kelvin Gastelum is a veteran fighter. He has been in many big fights. Gastelum’s experience and cage IQ are major advantages.
Pyfer may start the fight strong with heavy offense. But if he cannot finish early, Gastelum will take control.
The fight could last all three rounds. It will be a battle of power versus experience.
Prediction: Gastelum by split decision.
Kevin Holland vs. Vicente Luque (Welterweight)
This fight is a dream for striking fans. Both Holland and Luque love to stand and trade punches. Holland has the reach and height advantage. He fights with an unpredictable style.
Luque is a warrior in the cage. He is tough and durable. Luque hits hard and has more experience against top opponents.
This matchup could be very close. But Luque’s pressure and grit may give him the edge.
Prediction: Vicente Luque by unanimous decision.
Preliminary Card Highlights
Bruno Silva vs. Joshua Van (Flyweight)
Bruno Silva is coming off a tough loss to Manel Kape. He wants to bounce back strong. Silva is experienced and known for his powerful striking. However, his next opponent is no easy task.
Joshua Van is a fast-rising prospect in the flyweight division. He is young, quick, and very skilled. Van’s footwork is sharp, and his hand speed is impressive. He moves well and stays calm under pressure.
Silva will try to pressure Van with his power punches. But keeping up with Van’s speed and movement will be challenging. Van’s activity and quick strikes might wear Silva down.
This fight could go the distance if Silva can avoid Van’s flurries. Still, Van’s pace should give him the edge.
Prediction: Joshua Van by unanimous decision.
Ariane Lipski vs. Wang Cong (Flyweight)
Ariane Lipski is a UFC veteran with ups and downs in her career. She’s looking to get back to winning ways. Lipski’s striking is her biggest weapon. She uses kicks and punches effectively.
Wang Cong is making her UFC debut. She comes from the Chinese MMA scene. Although new to the UFC, Wang has shown promise.
Experience may be the deciding factor here. Lipski has faced tougher competition and knows how to handle the pressure. Wang will have to prove she belongs at this level.
Prediction: Ariane Lipski by unanimous decision.
Serghei Spivac vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (Heavyweight)
This fight is a classic striker versus grappler showdown. Serghei Spivac is a strong wrestler and submission specialist. He likes to take fights to the ground and control opponents.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta prefers to keep the fight standing. He is a heavy hitter with knockout power. Early in the fight, he will look for a quick finish.
If Spivac can avoid the early power shots, he will take the fight to the mat. On the ground, he has a clear advantage.
Prediction: Serghei Spivac by submission.
Azamat Murzakanov vs. Brendson Ribeiro (Light Heavyweight)
Azamat Murzakanov was supposed to fight Johnny Walker. Walker had to pull out due to injury. Brendson Ribeiro stepped in on short notice.
Ribeiro is a hard-hitting fighter with potential. But Murzakanov is dangerous and undefeated. He carries heavy power and strong striking skills.
The short notice and pressure make this a tough test for Ribeiro. Murzakanov’s power and experience should be too much.
Prediction: Azamat Murzakanov by knockout.
Conclusion for UFC 316
Incredible things are happening for UFC 316, and it is going to be one of the biggest events of the year. With two spectacular title bouts and a host of other marquee fights, the card is fronted by Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley in an anticipated rematch, with Julianna Peña defending her title against judo Olympian Kayla Harrison. Both championship fights frame competition with elite talent and sharp rivalries. This is why UFC is better than boxing. The card also carries younger and older stars on this dual-ended card. Whether heavyweights or flyweights, it has something in each of its many fights. Fans are treated to wonderful action, tactical displays, and possible upsets.
So, whether you want to watch it for the title fights or see who among the next generation of fighters is ready to step up, UFC 316 has a full night of world-class Mixed Martial Arts on display. Every bout has relevance, and every fighter has something to prove. The state of New Jersey is at Newark with its superbly electrifying combination within the Prudential Center. UFC 316 is not just another pay-per-view – it’s really a showcase of the sport’s best.
