UFC 306 live: Follow the Noche UFC fightcard as Sean O’Malley takes on Merab Dvalishvil

Merab Dvalishvili lived up to his nickname.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: (R-L) Sean O'Malley strikes Merab Dvalishvili of Georgia in the UFC bantamweight championship fight during the UFC 306 at Riyadh Season Noche UFC event at Sphere on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Merab Dvalishvili made it look easy.

The 33-year-old Georgian lived up to his nickname: “The Machine” with a completely one-sided decision win over Sean O’Malley.

The result, delivered with scores of 49-46, 48-47 and 48-47, sees Dvalishvili record his 11th consecutive win and claim the bantamweight title.

Meanwhile, O’Malley’s bold claims of replacing Conor McGregor as the UFC’s biggest star is in tatters.

The pink-haired, Trump-loving, outspoken and charismatic O’Malley must now pick up the pieces of his career to make another run at the belt.

The American left the Octagon while Dvalishvili was speaking to Joe Rogan, declining a post-fight interview that is normally afforded to dethroned champions.

It was a weird title fight to cap off the UFC’s much-hyped debut at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

Dvalishvili was warned for yapping at O’Malley’s coaches after just 10 seconds. Referee Herb Dean then repeatedly tried to inject himself into the fight by urging a dominant Dvalishvili to “show me something.”

Apparently the ref couldn’t see the punches the Georgian was repeatedly landing on O’Malley’s head.

Still, it won’t take away from Merab’s incredible performance.

“Today, I’m the best fighter in the UFC,” Dvalishvili said. “Nothing was surprising. I can go 50 more rounds like this.

“I make him look normal.”

In the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko put on a similarly one-sided, wrestling dominated win over Alex Grasso to reclaim her flyweight world title.

Catch up on all the action in our live blog below!

Originally published as UFC 306 live: Follow the Noche UFC fightcard as Sean O’Malley takes on Merab Dvalishvil