'I Already Kissed Him, Now It's Time To...': Merab Dvalishvili Eyes Finish In UFC 316 Showdown With Sean O'Malley; Video

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is making bold claims ahead of his highly anticipated rematch against Sean O'Malley at UFC 316, scheduled for June 7, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Reflecting on their previous encounter at UFC 306, where Dvalishvili secured an unanimous decision victory, the Georgian fighter admitted he didn't fully unleash his potential. "I have extra motivation to finish this fight, because first fight I was going easy on him," Dvalishvili stated. "I was laughing, I was showboating, I was kissing him... I already kissed him. Now it's time to smash him."

“I do have extra motivation to finish this fight because first fight I was going easy on him. But, this time I’m looking for finish. Nothing against him. This is sport and that’s what we do. I just want to make a statement this time” @MerabDvalishvil #TheSchmoandThePro FULL… pic.twitter.com/VbPBO0aM6y

— The Schmo (@TheSchmo312) May 30, 2025

On the other side, Sean O'Malley is determined to reclaim the title. Following his loss, O'Malley has intensified his training, working with former UFC champions like Demetrious Johnson and Israel Adesanya to improve his grappling skills.

UFC: Nate Diaz Wants Conor McGregor Trilogy, Eyes BMF Fight With Max Holloway Or Ilia Topuria; Video

Fan-favorite and MMA icon Nate Diaz has set the combat sports world buzzing once again, revealing his desire to return to the UFC with major fights in mind — including a long-awaited trilogy bout with Conor McGregor or a shot at the symbolic BMF title against Max Holloway or Ilia Topuria.

In a recent statement, Diaz laid out his intentions clearly, "I plan on going back to the UFC. Me and Conor for sure got unfinished business. It’s got to happen. I'd like to fight Max Holloway or Ilia Topuria for the BMF."

Nate Diaz reveals he wants to return to the UFC for the Conor McGregor trilogy — or a fight with Max Holloway or Ilia Topuria for the BMF title

"I plan on going back to the UFC. Me and Conor for sure got unfinished business. It’s got to happen. I'd like to fight Max… pic.twitter.com/Q8G3WNmJ0H

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 26, 2025

The potential return of Diaz is major news for fans of the UFC, who have long anticipated a conclusion to his heated rivalry with McGregor. The duo is tied 1-1 in one of the most iconic rivalries in MMA history — Diaz submitting McGregor in 2016, with McGregor edging out a narrow decision victory in their rematch later that year. A trilogy bout has been on fans’ wishlists ever since.

In addition to McGregor, Diaz is open to facing the former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria or former champ Max Holloway — both of whom have expressed interest in high-stakes, fan-friendly matchups. The BMF belt, first introduced in 2019 for Diaz’s fight with Jorge Masvidal, has regained prominence after Holloway's knockout win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.

Diaz, who most recently boxed Jake Paul in 2023, has remained active outside of the UFC but maintains that his roots — and his legacy — are tied to the Octagon. A return against any of the three names he's called out would be a blockbuster draw and instantly headline any UFC event.

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