The excitement in the MMA world is palpable as UFC President Dana White has unveiled the full fight card for UFC 306, set to take place on September 14 at the innovative Sphere in Las Vegas. The event, branded as Riyadh Season Noche UFC due to a significant sponsorship deal, is being touted as the most expensive production in UFC history, making it a one-off spectacle that fans won't want to miss.
Main Event: Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili
Headlining UFC 306 is a highly anticipated bantamweight title fight between reigning champion Sean "Sugar" O’Malley and the division's top contender, Merab Dvalishvili. O’Malley, known for his flashy style and knockout power, aims to secure his second title defense after previous victories over Aljamain Sterling and Marlon “Chito” Vera. Riding a six-fight win streak, O'Malley's only recent blemish is a no-contest against Pedro Munhoz.
Dvalishvili, on the other hand, is on a remarkable ten-fight win streak, establishing himself as a formidable contender. With his close friend and training partner Sterling having moved to the featherweight division, Dvalishvili finally gets his shot at the title, promising an explosive showdown with O'Malley.
Co-Main Event: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko
The co-main event will feature a thrilling trilogy bout between UFC flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and former champion Valentina Shevchenko.
Grasso claimed the title with a stunning fourth-round submission victory over Shevchenko in 2023 and subsequently defended it with a controversial split draw in their rematch at the first Noche UFC event. This third encounter promises to settle the score once and for all.
Main Card Highlights
Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes: A re-booked featherweight clash where the seasoned Brian Ortega faces the rising star Diego Lopes.
Esteban Ribovics vs. Daniel Zellhuber: A lightweight bout featuring two of the division's promising talents.
Ode Osbourne vs. Ronaldo Rodríguez: A flyweight fight expected to deliver high-paced action.
Ignacio Bahamondes vs. Manuel Torres: Another exciting lightweight contest to keep an eye on.
Irene Aldana vs. Norma Dumont: A bantamweight bout with significant implications for the title picture.
Kevin Borjas vs. Edgar Chairez: A thrilling matchup in the flyweight division.
Yazmin Jáuregui vs. Ketlen Souza: A women’s strawweight bout featuring two fierce competitors.
Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Aori Qileng: A bantamweight fight promising to showcase the division’s future stars.
The historic UFC 306 will take place on September 14 at Sphere in Las Vegas. This state-of-the-art venue promises an unparalleled viewing experience, further elevating the significance of this already monumental event.
With a lineup stacked with intriguing matchups and title implications, UFC 306 at Sphere is set to be a night of unforgettable action. Fans should mark their calendars for September 14 and prepare for a spectacular showcase of MMA talent.