One of the year’s most competitive and varied fight cards will be featured at UFC 316, which is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The event features a strong lineup of high-stakes fights in several divisions, with two title fights at the top of the card. The bantamweight, women’s bantamweight, and welterweight championship landscapes are anticipated to be greatly impacted by UFC 316.
This comprehensive event preview gives readers a thorough idea of what to anticipate on fight night by outlining the entire UFC 316 fight card, including the main card, preliminary matches, and early preliminary matches.
Main Event: Bantamweight Championship Bout – Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley
Current bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and challenger Sean O’Malley will square off for the title in the main event of UFC 316. After their last encounter, which solidified Dvalishvili’s position as the division’s dominant force, this fight is a much-anticipated rematch.
O’Malley joins the Octagon as a dynamic striker renowned for his range and inventiveness, while Dvalishvili’s style is based on pressure, unrelenting takedowns, and control. The outcome of this five-round fight has the potential to change the bantamweight division’s course for the rest of the year. This main event is one of the most tactically intriguing fights of 2025 because both fighters bring different styles and strategies to the table.
Co-Main Event: Women’s Bantamweight Championship – Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison
Julianna Peña will defend her women’s bantamweight title against Kayla Harrison, an Olympian and unbeaten competitor, in the co-main event. Harrison brings an impressive physical presence and a decorated judo background, while Peña has established herself as a resilient and well-rounded competitor.
There is a noticeable stylistic difference in this matchup. Harrison is renowned for her grappling control and ground dominance, while Peña depends on grit, forward pressure, and high-volume striking. Depending on how well the winner performs, the outcome of this title fight could usher in a new era in the women’s bantamweight division and possibly pave the way for future superfights.
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer
A crucial matchup pits rising contender Joe Pyfer against Kelvin Gastelum. Gastelum is an accomplished veteran who has faced both top-ranked opponents and former champions. In the meantime, Pyfer has been establishing himself with a string of spectacular finishes and forceful striking.
This battle presents a traditional conflict between youth and experience. Gastelum’s resilience and cage IQ should be put to the test by Pyfer’s aggressive style and knockout power. In their quest for a middleweight ranking, a victory for either fighter could turn the tide in their favor.
Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix
Mario Bautista, a top-ten ranked bantamweight, will take on submission expert Patchy Mix at UFC 316. The next big contender in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions may use this fight as a springboard.
Mix’s ground game and threat of submission will test Bautista’s well-rounded style, which combines technical striking and grappling. Later in the year, the victor of this bout is probably going to be considered for a top-five ranking and potential title challenge.
Vicente Luque vs. Kevin Holland
Vicente Luque will face Kevin Holland at UFC 316. Both fighters have established reputations for entertaining fights and are renowned for their striking prowess.
Holland is known for his long reach, inventive attacks, and strong ground defense, while Luque offers aggressive combinations and durability. This fight, which is anticipated to be a fast-paced, high-striking match, may decide the next big name in the welterweight top-15 rankings.
UFC 316 Preliminary Card Highlights
Starting at 5:00 AM GMT+5, the preliminary card offers several matchup with significant ramifications for the flyweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight divisions.
Bruno Silva and Joshua Van, both ranked in the top-15, will square in a flyweight fight among the highlighted bouts. Van charges into the fight with force, while Silva tries to find footing in the division. Their meeting might influence next title elimination games.
Johnny Walker square off against the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov in the light heavyweight class. Walker is renowned for his explosive finishes; Murzakanov is a rising threat in the division thanks to his quiet, technical approach.
In a fight that might influence the top 10, heavyweights Serghei Spivac and Waldo Cortes Acosta also collide. Cortes Acosta’s athleticism and strength test Spivac’s grappling and ground control.
Khaos Williams and Uroš Medić also square in a welterweight fight with a strong showcase potential for a sudden finish.
UFC 316 Early Prelims: Rising Talent on Display
Starting at 3:00 AM GMT+5, the early prelims highlight newly discovered talent in several divisions.
The tone is set by a flyweight fight between Ariane da Silva and Wang Cong for women. Both fighters want to move up the division, thus a good performance here could land either of them a top-ten opponent.
Jeka Saragih challenges newcomer JooSang Yoo in the featherweight class gives fans a chance to see possible future contenders in their first UFC appearances.
Rounding out the early prelims is a lightweight fight between Quillan Salkilld and Yanal Ashmouz, both of which want to make a strong impression and fast climb the ranks.
UFC 316 Broadcast Information
Held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, UFC 316 will be shown live from Newark, New Jersey. Available just via ESPN+ Pay-Per-View, the main card starts at 7:00 AM GMT+5; UFC Fight Pass will show the prelims and early prelims.
UFC 316 promises to be a high-impact evening that will affect rankings and title images across many weight classes with two title fights and a full slate of ranked competitors.
Among the most notable of the year so far, the UFC 316 fight card presents a well-rounded mix of veteran names, up-and-coming stars, and key matchup across every division of the event. From championship battles to outstanding debutants, every fight has value and future importance.
All eyes will be on the outcomes and performances this event produces as the bantamweight and women’s bantamweight titles move. UFC 316 is a showcase of elite-level mixed martial arts and a turning point in several divisions, not only another evening of fights.
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