UFC 306, taking place on September 14, 2024, at The Sphere in Las Vegas, promises to be a night of thrilling action with two title fights headlining the event. Fans will witness high-stakes matchups with both established stars and rising contenders battling for supremacy.
Main Event: Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili
The main event will see UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean “Sugar” O’Malley defending his title for the second time against Merab Dvalishvili, the relentless Georgian fighter. O’Malley, known for his striking prowess and knockout ability, will face one of the toughest tests of his career in Dvalishvili, who is famous for his incredible cardio and relentless takedown pressure. O’Malley, with a 17-1 record, has captured the fans’ attention with his flashy fighting style and knockout power, but Dvalishvili (16-4) will look to impose his grappling dominance in this highly anticipated bout.
Dvalishvili, who is currently riding a nine-fight win streak, will attempt to break O’Malley’s rhythm by utilizing his wrestling and pace. O’Malley, on the other hand, will aim to keep the fight standing and showcase his striking. With both fighters at the peak of their careers, the bout is expected to deliver fireworks.
Co-Main Event: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko III
In the co-main event, UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Alexa Grasso will defend her belt in a trilogy bout against Valentina Shevchenko. Their rivalry is one for the ages, with Grasso shocking the world by defeating Shevchenko in their first meeting in 2023 and the two fighters battling to a draw in their rematch later that year. Grasso (16-3), a polished striker, has shown tremendous improvements in her ground game and defense, which will be tested once again by Shevchenko, one of the most complete mixed martial artists in UFC history.
Shevchenko (23-4) will be seeking redemption after losing the title to Grasso, and her Muay Thai and grappling will be key to regaining the belt. With both fighters having a well-rounded skill set, this fight is likely to be a chess match of striking, grappling, and endurance.
Other Fights to Watch
- Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes: This featherweight contest features submission specialists Ortega and Lopes. Ortega, known for his jiu-jitsu mastery, faces Lopes, an all-action fighter with a remarkable finishing rate. The ground exchanges in this fight could be electrifying as both men are capable of pulling off slick submissions.
- Manuel Torres vs. Ignacio Bahamondes: Lightweight fighters Torres and Bahamondes are expected to put on a striking clinic. Torres, with his high-volume output and aggressive style, will face Bahamondes, who has a highlight-reel knockout win via spinning wheel kick in his UFC career.
Event Details
- Location: The Sphere, Las Vegas
- Date: September 14, 2024
- Broadcast: Available on ESPN+ PPV
With two title fights and a host of competitive matchups, UFC 306 is shaping up to be one of the most significant events of the year. Fans can expect intense action, especially with the heated rivalry between Grasso and Shevchenko taking center stage, while O’Malley and Dvalishvili will look to cement their legacies in the main event.
