All you need to know about UFC 306 as Sean O’Malley defends title at the Sphere
Sean O’Malley headlines UFC 306 in Las Vegas this weekend as he looks to defend his bantamweight world title against Merab Dvalishvili.
O’Malley has held the belt for over two years and is on a nine-fight win streak that includes three successful title defences.
His most recent bout was a decision win against Marlon Vera in March and now he takes on Dvalishvili who is the number one contender in the division.
The Georgian boasts a 17-4 record and has beaten Jose Aldo, Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo in his last three fights heading into this one.
Elsewhere on the card, Alexa Grasso defends her flyweight title against Valentina Shevchenko and Brian Ortega fights Diego Lopes.
UFC 306: Date and how to follow
UFC 306 will take place on Saturday, September 15 and it will be held at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Preliminary action is expected to get started at 12:30am on Sunday morning UK time, with the main card scheduled to begin at 3am for UK fans.
The prelims will be available to watch on the UFC Fight Pass here.
The main card is being shown on ESPN and ESPN+ with full details of UK coverage yet to be confirmed.
talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will also keep you up to date with all the action.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
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UFC 306: Fight card
Subject to change
Main card
- MAIN EVENT: Sean O’Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili – for UFC bantamweight title
- Alexa Grasso vs Valentina Shevchenko – for UFC women’s flyweight title
- Brian Ortega vs Diego Lopes
- Daniel Zellhuber vs Esteban Ribovics
- Ronaldo Rodriguez vs Ode Osbourne
Preliminary card
- Irene Aldana vs Norma Dumont
- Manuel Torres vs Ignacio Bahamondes
- Yazmin Jauregui vs Ketlen Souza
- Edgar Chairez vs Joshua Van
- Raul Rosas Jr. vs Aori Qileng
UFC 306: What has been said?
Speaking about his latest title defence at UFC 306, bantamweight champion O’Malley said: “I’m so excited for this fight.
“I wasn’t actually very excited for the Aljo [Aljamain Sterling] fight, I was stressed because of my rib and my training camp wasn’t the best.
“I’m feeling good for this fight, I love this matchup, he’s [Dvalishvili] on a ten-fight win streak.
“It’s a big fight, it’s at The Sphere and it’s in competition with boxing which adds an extra little layer.”
Former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has given his prediction ahead of the main event.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Volkanovski said: “I don’t care how good your footwork is, you’re not gonna keep Merab away from you unless you put his lights out.
“Merab’s gonna eventually get the takedown I don’t care how. The only way I see him losing is by getting knocked out.
“I’m gonna have to go with Merab.”