Sean O'Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili: Preview, Start Time, Odds and Where to Watch

Greg Kajewski
5 days ago
11 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili are set for a high-stakes rematch at UFC 316. Dvalishvili, the reigning bantamweight champion, brings relentless wrestling and unmatched cardio, while O'Malley, a former titleholder, relies on precision striking and knockout power. This fight could reshape the division, with Dvalishvili aiming to solidify his dominance and O'Malley seeking redemption.

Key Fight Details:

Event Date & Location: June 7, 2025, at the Prudential Center, Newark, NJ.
Start Times:
- Early Prelims: 6:00 PM ET
- Prelims: 8:00 PM ET
- Main Card: 10:00 PM ET
- Main Event Walkouts: ~12:30 AM ET
Viewing Options: ESPN+ (early prelims/prelims) and ESPN+ Pay-Per-View ($79.99 for PPV).

Betting Odds:

Merab Dvalishvili: Favorite (-290 to -325); most likely to win via decision (-175).
Sean O'Malley: Underdog (+225 to +260); KO/TKO win odds at +450.

Quick Comparison:

Fighter	Strengths	Weaknesses	Odds
Sean O'Malley	Striking, reach advantage	Wrestling defense (61%)	+225 to +260
Merab Dvalishvili	Wrestling, cardio, pressure	Limited striking power	-290 to -325

This classic striker vs. wrestler matchup promises drama, with O'Malley needing to avoid takedowns and Dvalishvili looking to dominate on the ground. Tune in to see if O'Malley can reclaim the title or if Dvalishvili cements his reign.

UFC 316 Breakdown: Merab Dvalishvili 🆚 Sean O'Malley | ESPN MMA

How and When to Watch

UFC 316 has plenty of viewing options for fans across the United States, with staggered start times to accommodate different time zones.

TV and Streaming Options

The action kicks off with the early prelims at 6:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+. The prelims follow at 8:00 p.m. ET, airing on both ESPN and ESPN+, featuring seasoned fighters and building the anticipation for the main event.

The main card begins at 10:00 p.m. ET, available exclusively on ESPN+ pay-per-view. Fans can expect the highly anticipated Dvalishvili vs. O'Malley walkouts around 12:30 a.m. ET. While East Coast viewers may need to stay up late, West Coast fans can enjoy the fights during prime time.

Pricing options include the standalone PPV for $79.99, or you can opt for a bundle: $91.98 for a monthly subscription (includes the first month of ESPN+) or $134.98 for an annual plan. If you're already an ESPN+ subscriber, simply purchase the PPV for $79.99 through your account. Once you've chosen your option, check the schedule below for start times in your time zone.

Start Times by Time Zone

Here’s a breakdown of the UFC 316 schedule across U.S. time zones:

Event Portion	Eastern Time	Central Time	Mountain Time	Pacific Time
Early Prelims	6:00 p.m.	5:00 p.m.	4:00 p.m.	3:00 p.m.
Prelims	8:00 p.m.	7:00 p.m.	6:00 p.m.	5:00 p.m.
Main Card	10:00 p.m.	9:00 p.m.	8:00 p.m.	7:00 p.m.
Main Event Walkouts	~12:30 a.m.	~11:30 p.m.	~10:30 p.m.	~9:30 p.m.

Betting Odds and Lines

The sportsbooks are leaning toward Merab Dvalishvili as the favorite against defending champion Sean O'Malley. Current odds place Dvalishvili in the range of -280 to -325 across major platforms, while O'Malley is positioned as the underdog, with odds between +225 and +260. These numbers reflect adjustments to the fighters' strategies since their last meeting.

O'Malley's Underdog Odds

Sean O'Malley enters the fight as the underdog, with odds hovering around +260. For bettors backing him, a $100 bet at these odds would yield $260 in profit, plus the initial stake, for a total payout of $360 if he pulls off the win.

His underdog status is largely due to his 61% takedown defense, which will be tested against Dvalishvili, who averages 5.89 takedowns per 15 minutes. However, O'Malley's supporters point to his 3.31 striking differential and his division-topping accuracy in significant strikes as reasons to believe he can turn the tide.

For those betting on specific outcomes, O'Malley winning by KO/TKO is priced at +450, while his odds for a submission victory are a steep +3000. This reflects his limited ground game, despite having a slight edge in submission averages - 0.29 to 0.26 - over Dvalishvili.

Dvalishvili as the Betting Favorite

Merab Dvalishvili's odds as the favorite underline his ability to neutralize O'Malley's striking game. At odds of -325, a bettor would need to wager $325 to win $100, indicating strong market confidence in his chances.

His recent track record bolsters this confidence. Dvalishvili has landed 5 or more takedowns in each of his last four fights, showcasing the relentless pressure that previously gave O'Malley trouble. His 5.89 takedown average dwarfs O'Malley's 0.29, highlighting the stylistic mismatch that favors Dvalishvili.

For method-of-victory bets, Dvalishvili by decision is the most likely outcome at -175. Meanwhile, his odds for a KO/TKO or submission victory stand at +800, reflecting his methodical, pressure-heavy fighting style.

Betting Line Movement and Analysis

The betting lines have remained relatively stable, showing a consistent market consensus. When the odds first opened, Dvalishvili was listed as a -300 favorite, with O'Malley at +240. Slight shifts in the numbers suggest continued betting interest in the challenger.

"The oddsmakers clearly remember how the first fight played out. According to BetMGM, Merab Dvalishvili opens as a massive -300 favorite. Meanwhile Sean O'Malley sits at +240 as the underdog. Those odds suggest the betting public expects more of the same from their first encounter. The champion proved his style gives O'Malley serious problems, and oddsmakers don't think a few months of training changes that reality."

Several factors could still impact the lines as fight night approaches. O'Malley's hip surgery and extended time off may raise questions about his readiness, while his lifestyle adjustments could either improve his takedown defense or leave him vulnerable.

Fighter	Moneyline	Implied Probability
Merab Dvalishvili	-290	74.4%
Sean O'Malley	+235	29.9%

The betting markets seem to favor a decision victory, aligning with expectations of a grinding, wrestling-focused fight rather than the striking-heavy battle O'Malley might hope for. With these odds, all eyes are on how each fighter's game plan unfolds.

Fighter Analysis and Game Plans

Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili bring contrasting skill sets to the cage, making for a fascinating tactical showdown. O'Malley is renowned for his precision striking and knockout power, while Dvalishvili thrives on relentless wrestling and unmatched cardio. These opposing styles promise a battle of strategies and adaptability.

Merab Dvalishvili: Wrestling and Relentless Pressure

Dvalishvili's game revolves around constant pressure and elite grappling. His wrestling stats are impressive - 92 career takedowns and an average of 5.89 takedowns per 15 minutes. Riding a 12-fight win streak, his endurance and pace push opponents to their limits. But it’s not just about the takedowns; his ability to keep moving and disrupt his opponent’s rhythm makes him a nightmare for strikers. Dvalishvili’s approach is calculated, waiting for his opponent to overextend before shooting for takedowns. This strategy has been highly effective, with him landing five or more takedowns in each of his last four fights.

Sean O'Malley: Striking and Reach Advantage

O'Malley stands out as one of the best strikers in the Bantamweight division. At 5'11" with a 72-inch reach, he enjoys a 4-inch reach advantage over Dvalishvili. His striking is a mix of speed, power, and smart tactics, often setting traps with feints to create openings. The numbers back up his skill: a +3.31 striking differential and a 61.5% accuracy rate. O'Malley’s ability to maintain range and use his kicks effectively keeps opponents guessing.

However, his takedown defense - currently at 61% - leaves room for improvement. Against a wrestler like Dvalishvili, this could be a vulnerability. Still, his striking and reach give him the tools to dictate the pace if he can stay on his feet.

How Each Fighter Can Win

Both fighters have clear paths to victory based on their strengths. For Dvalishvili, the key is to stick to his bread and butter: relentless pressure and wrestling. By forcing O'Malley to defend takedowns and work off his back, he can control the tempo and wear him down. Cage control and timing his takedowns when O'Malley overextends will be crucial.

For O'Malley, success depends on keeping the fight at a distance. Using his reach and precise striking, he can land body shots early to slow Dvalishvili's forward pressure. Improving his takedown defense is critical - he allowed six takedowns on 15 attempts in their previous encounter. Reflecting on that fight, O'Malley shared:

"Skill for skill, I have better skills than Merab. He has good skills, but I know there are many holes I can capitalize on. With the right preparation, he's beatable".

By shoring up his defense and staying disciplined, O'Malley can capitalize on his striking edge and avoid getting dragged into Dvalishvili's grinding style.

Fighter Advantage	O'Malley	Dvalishvili
Striking	+3.31 differential, 61.5% accuracy	Disrupts rhythm with defensive movement
Wrestling	61% takedown defense	5.89 takedowns per 15 min, 92 career
Physical	4-inch reach advantage	Superior cardio and endurance
Key Strategy	Distance control, early body shots	Relentless pressure and wrestling

Using BettorEdge for UFC Betting

BettorEdge's peer-to-peer betting platform is changing the way fans approach UFC wagers, especially for high-stakes matchups like O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili. Unlike traditional sportsbooks, this platform gives you full control over your bets with features designed to enhance flexibility and transparency.

Peer-to-Peer Betting Benefits

One standout feature of BettorEdge is its no-vig model, which eliminates the house margin. This means you're not betting against the house but directly against other users. The result? A better shot at higher returns. For a fight like O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili, you can set your own odds or accept wagers from others at prices you find favorable.

With millions of dollars in bets matched monthly, it's clear that more bettors are gravitating toward this fairer system.

What really sets BettorEdge apart for UFC betting is the ability to sell your bets back to the community. Let’s say O'Malley dominates the early rounds - you can cash out your position before the fight ends and sell to others interested, securing profits regardless of the final outcome. This flexibility can be a game-changer when betting on unpredictable fights.

On top of that, BettorEdge offers tools to track your bets and analyze your performance in real time.

Bet Tracking and Performance Data

BettorEdge doesn't just let you place bets - it helps you get smarter about them. The platform tracks your UFC betting history alongside other sports, giving you a clear picture of your strengths and areas for improvement.

The Dashboard provides real-time updates on your active bets, showing how their value changes as public sentiment and betting activity shift. For the O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili fight, you’ll see how your wager evolves throughout the event.

Detail	What You See
Initial Stake	The amount you originally bet
Current Value	What your bet is worth now if sold
Final Payout	The total amount you’ll win if successful
Net Profit/Loss	Your overall gain or loss

Performance charts break down your results by sport and bet type, making it easier to spot trends. For instance, you might notice that you excel at picking UFC underdogs but struggle with favorites. Using these insights, you can refine your strategy over time.

Advanced tools go even deeper, offering ROI timelines, comparisons across leagues, and stake distribution analysis. For UFC fans, this could mean recognizing that you perform better on main card fights or identifying specific matchup types that align with your predictions.

BettorEdge isn’t just about data - it’s about community. The platform fosters a social betting environment where you can engage with other UFC enthusiasts, especially for marquee fights like O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili. This transparency lets you see how others are betting and why, offering fresh perspectives without simply copying someone else's picks.

You can follow top analysts specializing in bantamweight matchups to gain deeper insights. The platform’s leaderboards, which rank users based on ROI, win percentage, and streaks over 7-day and 30-day periods, help you identify bettors with a proven track record.

Another interesting feature is tipping. If someone’s analysis - like a breakdown of Dvalishvili’s wrestling techniques - helps you land a winning bet, you can tip them directly through the platform. It’s a great way to reward valuable insights.

For added fun, BettorEdge also supports head-to-head betting with friends. Challenge someone to predict the fight outcome, and track your results over time. These friendly competitions often spark lively discussions and deeper analysis, as everyone wants to prove their UFC expertise.

For pivotal matchups like O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili, the community discussions can be an invaluable resource. They might highlight angles or opportunities you hadn’t considered, giving you a more well-rounded approach to your bets.

Fight Night Expectations

Saturday night at UFC 316 brings a highly anticipated bantamweight rematch, pitting Merab Dvalishvili against Sean O'Malley in a classic clash of styles: wrestling versus striking. Dvalishvili enters as the heavy favorite, riding a 12-fight winning streak, while O'Malley steps in as the underdog with the potential to disrupt the odds with his striking prowess.

Dvalishvili’s approach is built on relentless pressure and grappling dominance. He averages an impressive 5.89 takedowns per 15 minutes, a stat that underscores his ability to control the fight on the ground. His odds of -165 to win by decision reflect the expectation of another calculated performance.

"Not only does the combination of Dvalishvili's insane cardio and the constant threat of the takedown aid the champion in keeping opponents out of rhythm, Dvalishvili's striking defense remains criminally underrated." - Brian Campbell, Combat sports writer

On the other hand, O'Malley’s +230 underdog odds make him an intriguing pick for those betting on his striking ability. His +450 odds for a TKO/KO victory could attract fans who believe his precision and reach give him the tools to end the fight early. In their previous matchup, O'Malley successfully defended nine of Dvalishvili's 15 takedown attempts, which hints at his ability to keep the fight standing - a critical factor in this rematch.

"He always has the power and the style to knock out Merab, and Merab knows that. He knows he can get knocked out by O'Malley, and we've seen him do it to Aljamain Sterling." - Dominick Cruz

As the fight draws closer, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Dvalishvili’s relentless grappling will be tested against O'Malley’s striking finesse. However, the fact that O'Malley hasn’t landed a takedown since 2017 suggests he’ll rely entirely on his stand-up game. The outcome will likely hinge on whether Dvalishvili can impose his wrestling or if O'Malley can maintain distance and capitalize on his knockout power. Whether you’re backing Dvalishvili’s proven strategy or O'Malley’s knockout potential, this matchup promises plenty of excitement and drama.

FAQs

What can Sean O'Malley do to defend against Merab Dvalishvili's aggressive wrestling style?

To handle Merab Dvalishvili's relentless wrestling, Sean O'Malley can focus on a few smart strategies. First, he should rely on his excellent footwork and striking range to keep the fight at a distance. By controlling the center of the Octagon and staying light on his feet, O'Malley can make it tougher for Dvalishvili to close the gap and shoot for takedowns.

Incorporating feints and unpredictable movement is another way to throw off Dvalishvili's timing. If O'Malley can keep him guessing, it’ll disrupt his ability to set up takedowns effectively. On top of that, refining his takedown defense is a must. Practicing proper positioning and using his hips to maintain a solid base will be key. Counter-wrestling drills, especially ones tailored to defending chain wrestling techniques, can give O'Malley an edge in these exchanges.

Finally, cardio will play a huge role. Dvalishvili is known for his high pace, so O'Malley needs to ensure his conditioning is top-notch to keep up and stay sharp throughout the fight. By blending these tactics, O'Malley can better handle Dvalishvili’s wrestling-heavy style and create opportunities to implement his own game plan.

What do the betting odds reveal about the Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili fight?

The betting odds for the Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili fight position Dvalishvili as the favored competitor, with odds hovering between -300 and -310. This indicates strong confidence in his ability to dominate with relentless wrestling and a high-paced approach, a strategy that has worked well for him in the past. O'Malley, listed as the +230 to +240 underdog, is seen as the wildcard, relying on his striking skills to overcome the challenges posed by Dvalishvili's grappling-heavy style.

For Dvalishvili, victory will likely depend on sticking to his trademark high-pressure game plan, using his endurance to dictate the pace and control the fight. O'Malley, however, will need to capitalize on his sharp striking, reach advantage, and ability to adapt mid-fight to keep Dvalishvili at bay and create openings for a potential finish. The odds paint a picture of contrasting styles, where both athletes must execute their strategies with precision to secure the win.

What makes a peer-to-peer betting platform like BettorEdge a better choice for wagering on UFC fights compared to traditional sportsbooks?

Using a peer-to-peer betting platform like BettorEdge brings some clear advantages for UFC betting compared to traditional sportsbooks. The biggest difference? You’re betting directly against other users, cutting out the middleman. This setup often means better odds, lower fees, and the chance for higher payouts.

But it’s not just about the numbers. Peer-to-peer platforms also offer a more social and interactive experience. You can connect with other bettors, exchange insights, and even build a sense of community around your wagers. With fair pricing and a lively environment, BettorEdge offers a fresh way to enjoy UFC betting.