UFC 316 results: Matches to make for ‘Merab vs. O’Malley 2’ main card winners

UFC 316 went down last night (Sat., June 7, 2025) inside Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., which saw Merab Dvalishvili submit Sean O’Malley to retain his Bantamweight title (see it here). In the co-main event, Kayla Harrison had her way with Julianna Pena before submitting her in the closing seconds of round two to become UFC’s new women’s Bantamweight queen (highlights), while Mario Bautista ruined Patchy Mix’s Octagon debut with a shutout victory.

Winner: Merab DvalishviliWho He Should Face Next: Cory Sandhagen

Now that Dvalishvili has put “Suga” is his rear-view mirror once and for all, “The Machine” will look ahead to his next title defense against Sandhagen. “Sandman” is currently ranked No. 4 in the division, and is 4-1 in his last five fights. While Dana White did mention the possibility of a rematch between Merab versus Umar Nurmagomedov, it won’t happen until after Sandhagen gets his chance to win a world title.

Winner: Kayla HarrisonWho She Should Face Next: Amanda Nunes

After adding another trophy to an already full mantle by winning UFC’s women’s 135-pound strap, Harrison doesn’t have to worry about who will be next in line because she will be taking on former division queen — and the greatest female fighter of all-time — Amanda Nunes. Indeed, Harrison called for Nunes to step into the Octagon to face off against her, and “Lioness” confirmed her comeback (most likely by the end of 2025). It’s really the best and only fight to make for Harrison, and it will be interesting to say the least as they used to be stablemates over at American Top Team (ATT).

Winner: Mario BautistaWho He Should Face Next: Marlon Vera

Bautista spoiled Patchy Mix’s high-profile Octagon debut by absolutely dominating him for 15 minutes to win a one-sided unanimous decision, giving him his eighth straight win. Bautista was initially slated to face Vera at this event before “Chito” withdrew from the card. I still like this fight and feel the promotion should book it before the year is out.

Winner: Joe PyferWho He Should Face Next: Nursulton Ruziboev

Pyfer improved to 5-1 under UFC’s banner after handily defeating Kelvin Gastelum in Newark. Pyfer is trying to earn his way toward a Top 15 ranking, but it might take a bit more work. I wouldn’t mind seeing him face Ruziboev next, who is also coming off a win after defeating Dustin Stoltzfus just last month. Ruziboev is 4-1 so far under UFC’s banner, so he and Pyfer have a similar run going.

Winner: Kevin HollandWho He Should Face Next: Daniel Rodriguez

Holland secured his second straight win after he forced Vicente Luque to tap in the second round. It’s his first back-to-back win streak in two years, and now “Trailblazer” is eyeing his first three-fight win streak in five years in his next outing, which I would like to come against Rodriguez. Rodriguez is also coming off a win after he knocked out Santiago Ponzinibbio last month.

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