September 15, 2024. UFC 306 at Riyadh Season Noche UFC delivered a night of electrifying bouts, with record-breaking attendance and iconic moments, culminating in the crowning of two new champions, Merab Dvalishvili and Valentina Shevchenko. The event, held at the stunning Sphere, drew 16,024 fans and shattered records, generating a gate of $22 million, making it the highest-grossing UFC event in history.
O’Malley vs Dvalishvili: UFC Bantamweight Championship
In a long-anticipated matchup, UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley faced off against Merab Dvalishvili. Dvalishvili’s relentless pressure and dominant wrestling stifled O’Malley’s striking, leading to a unanimous decision victory and a new reign as UFC bantamweight champion. Reflecting on his win, Dvalishvili said, “I just went step by step, and that’s how I got here. I made him look normal. Today, I’m the best fighter in the UFC.”
Shevchenko Reclaims Flyweight Gold
In the co-main event, former flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko avenged her previous losses to Alexa Grasso, controlling the fight with takedowns and maintaining top position throughout. Her tactical approach earned her a unanimous decision victory and restored her status as the UFC women’s flyweight champion. Shevchenko remarked, “This rivalry will stay in history forever. It’s what people want from women’s martial arts – respect, not hype.”
Man, does it feel good to be a CHAMPION 🏆@BulletValentina 💃@MerabDvalishvil 🕺
[ #UFC306 | @RiyadhSeason #NocheUFC ] pic.twitter.com/LcAzyKHzcw
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024
Asia’s Rising Stars
Joshua Van and Aoriqileng represented Asia with valiant efforts. Van showcased his resilience in a grueling fight against Edgar Chairez, securing a unanimous decision win. Meanwhile, China’s Aoriqileng put up a tough battle against Raul Rosas Jr., but ultimately lost by decision in a close contest.
Fight Night Highlights and Awards
The event also saw memorable performances from Esteban Ribovics, who earned a split decision over Daniel Zellhuber, and knockout artist Ignacio Bahamondes, who claimed Performance of the Night honors for his first-round TKO victory.
These two left it all in the Octagon tonight!@JaulaBahamondes & Ketlen Souza earned themselves the POTN bonus 💰
[ B2YB @PrimeHydrate ] pic.twitter.com/DBmoceTncH
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024
Official Results:
- UFC Bantamweight Championship: Merab Dvalishvili defeats Sean O’Malley via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
- UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship: Valentina Shevchenko defeats Alexa Grasso via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
- Diego Lopes defeats Brian Ortega via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
- Esteban Ribovics defeats Daniel Zellhuber via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Ronaldo Rodríguez defeats Ode Osbourne via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)
An INSTANT CLASSIC 🙌@GoldenBoyZell vs Esteban Ribovics take home FOTN honors for their epic #UFC306 fight!
[ B2YB @ToyoTires ] pic.twitter.com/GSoE2tH3AR
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024
Preliminary Results:
- Norma Dumont defeats Irene Aldana via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Ignacio Bahamondes defeats Manuel Torres via TKO at 4:02 of Round 1
- Ketlen Souza defeats Yazmin Jauregui via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:02 of Round 1
- Joshua Van defeats Edgar Chairez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Raul Rosas Jr. defeats Aoriqileng via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
The UFC’s debut at the Sphere set a new standard for MMA events, blending technology and combat sports in an unforgettable spectacle.
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