UFC 306 - Riyadh Season Noche UFC: Sean O’Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili
UFC 306 - Riyadh Season Noche UFC: Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili
UFC 306 is set to be a night of high-octane action as the promotion makes yet another outing to magnificent The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 14, 2024. The event, dubbed "Noche UFC," promises to be a thrilling showcase of mixed martial arts talent, with a main event that would potentially steal the show.
The headliner pits the charismatic, Sean "Suga" O'Malley, against the relentless pressure fighter, Merab "The Machine" Dvalishvili. The contrast in styles between O'Malley and Dvalishvili makes for a highly anticipated matchup. The co-main event is no less of a stunner, with a rematch between women's flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and former champion Valentina Shevchenko. This trilogy fight is slated to be epic, given their last outing at UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2, ended in a controversial split draw.
As the date for UFC 306 draws closer, anticipation continues to build, and fans around the world will be tuning in to see if O'Malley can continue his rise to stardom or if Dvalishvili can derail his momentum. It could also very well be a night of redemption for Shevchenko. Here's more on the event.
UFC 306 - Riyadh Season Noche UFC: Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili background
UFC 306, originally scheduled as a traditional "Noche UFC" event celebrating Mexican Independence Day, has undergone a significant rebranding. This event, now titled Riyadh Season Noche UFC marks a historic moment in the world of combat sports as it is the first time the UFC has granted title partner status to a sponsor, resulting in the event's new name.
It features a bantamweight title fight between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili for the main card. The co-main event will be an epic showdown between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko for the Women's Flyweight title.
UFC 306: Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili full card
Main Card
- Bantamweight Championship: Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili
- Women's Flyweight Championship: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko
- Featherweight: Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes
- Lightweight: Daniel Zellhuber vs. Esteban Ribovics
- Flyweight: Ronaldo Rodriguez vs. Ode Osbourne
Preliminary Card
- Women's Bantamweight : Irene Aldana vs. Norma Dumont
- Lightweight: Manuel Torres vs. Ignacio Bahamondes
- Women's Strawweight: Yazmin Jauregui vs. Ketlen Souza
- Flyweight: Edgar Chairez vs. Kevin Borjas
Early Prelims
- Bantamweight: Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Aoriqileng
The co-main event of UFC 306 - Riyadh Season Noche UFC - Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko III
The UFC 306 co-main event between Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko marks the third time these two flyweights will face off in the Octagon. Alexa Grasso clinched the UFC Women's Flyweight Championship against Valentina Shevchenko in their first meeting for UFC 285. However, Shevchenko showcased her striking prowess and proved herself a formidable opponent. The turning point came in the fourth round when Grasso managed to secure a stunning rear-naked choke. The rematch between Grasso and Shevchenko at UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2 was a draw, as the judges could not determine a clear winner. The close nature of the contest only fueled the anticipation for a third and decisive fight between the two.
With their first two encounters leaving fans and analysts eager for more, the third fight is expected to be an epic showdown, showcasing the best of both competitors' skills and strategies.
The main event of UFC 306 - Riyadh Season Noche UFC: Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili
Sean O'Malley's reign as UFC bantamweight champion has been characterized by his flashy style and charismatic personality combined with a fighting prowess with explosive striking and his ability to finish fights. Suga's achievements and victories have accordingly cemented his status as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport. As a champion, O'Malley has faced various challenges, including top contenders and seasoned veterans. His approach to these fights has been marked by a blend of technical mastery and entertainment value, be it Marlon Vera, or Aljamin Sterling.
Known for his relentless wrestling and grappling prowess, Merab Dvalishvili's rise to the top of the bantamweight division has been nothing short of remarkable. For his last outing, Dvalishvili dominated his opponent, veteran fighter and Olympian, Henry Cejudo. At one point the title contender even picked up Cejudo and carried him around the octagon, ultimately clinching a decision win.
Nevertheless, the winner of this fight will solidify their position as the top bantamweight in the world and likely face a rematch with former champion Aljamain Sterling, or whoever Dana White has in mind.
UFC 306: Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili Fighters’ Record, Stats, Previous Fights
Sean O'Malley
- Record: 18-1-0
- Nickname: Suga
- Style: Striker
Merab Dvalishvili
- Record: 17-4-0
- Nickname: The Machine
- Style: Grappler
Alexa Grasso
- Record: 16-3-0
- Nickname: La Reina
- Style: Striker
Valentina Shevchenko
- Record: 23-3-0
- Nickname: Bullet
- Style: Striker
Brian Ortega
- Record: 16-3-0
- Nickname: T-City
- Style: Grappler
Diego Lopes
- Record: 12-1-0
- Nickname: The Menace
- Style: Striker
Daniel Zellhuber
- Record: 12-2-0
- Nickname: The Mexican Nightmare
- Style: Striker
Esteban Ribovics
- Record: 11-1-0
- Nickname: The Punisher
- Style: Striker
Ronaldo Rodriguez
- Record: 13-5-0
- Nickname: Ronny
- Style: Striker
Ode Osbourne
- Record: 11-7-0
- Nickname: The Jamaican Sensation
- Style: Striker
Location, Venue, Date, Time of UFC 306 - Riyadh Season Noche UFC: Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili
UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche UFC is set to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The event will be held at The Sphere, a state-of-the-art entertainment venue known for its innovative technology and immersive experiences. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 6:30 PM ET (Prelims) and the PPV main card at 10:00 PM ET.
Weigh-Ins, Pre-Fight, and Post-Fight Press Conference
Although the weigh-ins transpire typically the day before the fight, and the pre-fight press conference the day after the weigh-ins, nothing has been officially confirmed by the UFC as of yet. Nonetheless, we can confirm that the post-fight conference will ensue on September 14, 2024, after the electric main card ends.
UFC 306: O’Malley vs Dvalishvili’s venue - The Sphere
Only those living under a rock are yet to be aware of the cutting-edge technology mixed with the immersive experience that The Sphere is. This 18,600-seat arena, located at The Venetian Resort complex, offers a revolutionary approach to live events with its spherical shape and advanced visual and acoustic capabilities. Its unique design includes a massive LED screen that supports a whopping 16K resolution that envelops the audience, creating a dynamic visual experience. This is also supported by speakers with beamforming and wave field synthesis technologies, and 4D physical effects.
The venue was built on the site of the former Stardust Resort & Casino. Construction began in 2018 and was completed in 2023. It officially opened its doors on September 2023 and hosted U2, an Irish Rock Band for their Achtung Baby Live event. Thereafter, Postcard from Earth also found its place in the venue, and the documentary film was directed by the acclaimed Darren Aronofsky.
All in all, a revolutionary venue, and Dana White's daring move for UFC Noche will make this landmark event a memorable highlight in the world of sports entertainment.
The commentary team of UFC 306 at The Sphere - Will Joe Rogan be there?
It seems more likely that we could be expecting the dynamic trio of UFC Commentators, Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier, and Joe Rogan for UFC 306. As of now, if Dana White does have any tricks up his sleeves, he is yet to disclose. Thus, even though there is no official announcement regarding the commentary team for UFC 306 since the venue is inside the US, Joe Rogan's presence in one way or the other is expected!
Where to Watch UFC 306: Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili? The Sphere Tickets
In terms of streaming options, for the US fans, it is the usual ESPN+. International viewers can check with their local UFC broadcast partners for further information. And for those who wish to catch the action live from the venue, tickets are available on the official UFC website, alongside Ticketmaster.
