Expert prediction
UFC 316: Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili Preview, Odds, Prediction
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili is the main event of UFC 316.
- Sean lost the UFC Bantamweight title last year after getting rag-dolled by Merab.
- Merab’s UFC 316 betting odds of -300 suggest he’s going to win on June 7 in Newark.
Our Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili prediction is that a betting upset will happen on June 7. Sugar O’Malley is the underdog with UFC 316 odds of +250, the reason being that he got controlled by Merab for the entire five rounds in their first fight.
But we suspect he’s learned his lesson and is ready to get his revenge at Newark’s Prudential Center.
How to Watch
- Where: Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey
- When: Saturday, June 7, 10 pm ET
- How to Watch: PPV
Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Sean O’Malley | +250 |
| Merab Dvalishvili | -300 |
Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili Preview
O’Malley enters as the underdog, largely because of how their first fight played out. Nine months ago, Merab’s relentless pressure caused Sean major problems. The Georgian fighter shot six takedowns (without suffering any) and landed almost 2x significant strikes as the American.
But what most people forget is that Sean fought injured and went straight into surgery after the bout. The stakes were huge – headlining the Sphere’s first UFC event – so pulling out simply wasn’t an option.
The problem wasn’t just Merab’s pace; it was Sean’s tactic as well. Merab kept going for takedowns by attacking Sean’s front leg, and if Sean doesn’t change something, it could happen again.
That’s why we expect him to fight from a southpaw stance this time, which would open the door for jabs and teep kicks that could wear Merab down early.
READ ALSO: Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison Preview, Odds, Prediction
One thing that stood out in their first fight was how Merab kept ducking his head when rushing in. If Sean fakes a jab and then throws a knee or uppercut, he could end the fight right there.
On top of that, Sean’s 5’11 height (5 inches more than Merab), 72-inch reach (four more than Merab), and counterpunching prowess are perfect for stopping pressure fighters. In fact, in Round 5 of their first fight, Merab had no answer for Sean’s teeps, but it was too late for “Sugar” at that point.
Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili Prediction
Odds favor Merab, but our UFC 316 betting pick is Sean. We think he’s going to win by KO/TKO. Causals will be shocked, but those who’ve been following this guy for ages know he’s a hell of a boxer with a 66.66% win-to-knockout ratio.
Free Pick:
- Sean O’Malley by KO/TKO
MMA
More Predictions
UFC Vegas 123 Predictions: Moicano vs Nolan Picks, Odds and Best Bet
Best bet: Tom Nolan moneyline (-120) Bet UFC Vegas 123 at BetOnline Renato Moicano and Tom Nolan headline UFC Vegas 123 this Saturday in a lightweight matchup with plenty on the line. Moicano is fighting to stay relevant in the division, while Nolan is chasing a breakthrough win and a place in the rankings. You […]
UFC 332: Full Main Card Picks, Odds & Props (Oct 3)
It’s UFC 332 week at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. A vacant women’s flyweight title is on the line, along with several high-stakes main card matchups. Here is your full breakdown, plus expert UFC picks, odds, and prop bets for Saturday’s event. How to Watch UFC 332 Main Card Preview Main Event: Natalia […]
UFC: Silva vs. Delgado Preview, Odds, Picks (Sep 12)
Delgado steps into his first UFC main event on short notice following Yair Rodríguez’s injury withdrawal. He is a massive underdog against Jean Silva, though Silva prepared for a completely different rival. Here is are more MMA Odds. How to Watch Noche UFC: Silva vs. Delgado Odds Fighter Odds Silva -425 Delgado +325 Fight Preview […]
UFC Paris: Full Main Card Picks, Odds & Props
The UFC returns to the Accor Arena for its fifth annual trip to Paris. The card features 14 fights, but we are focusing on the main card, headlined by lightweight fireworks and top French talent. Here are the full betting breakdowns, UFC Paris odds, and top picks for the main card lineup. How to Watch […]
UFC Shanghai Predictions, Odds & Full Fight Card Picks
It’s UFC Shanghai on the menu, with several high-stakes matchups on the main card. We are here to deliver some top-notch UFC picks, with props and plenty of other valuable information. How to Watch UFC Shanghai Main Card Preview Main Event: Umar Nurmagomedov (20-1) vs. Song Yadong (23-9-1) Fighter Odds Nurmagomedov -530 Yadong +375 Co-Main […]