A full summer slate of mesmerizing UFC fights kick off next weekend, June 7th, when Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley take center stage for the second time for UFC 316. The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, will be where the action kicks off, and where Merab will once again try to defend the Bantamweight title.
Merab "The Machine" Dvalishvili has a professional record of 19-4 and last beat Umar Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision. This will be the second fight between O'Malley and himself, where Merab won by unanimous decision back in September of 2024. "Suga" Sean O'Malley has a professional record of 18-2 and has not fought since that last fight with Merab. While this fight is bound to have major implications not only in the Bantamweight division, it also serves as an important fight in the UFC card market.
Sean O'Malley is wildly popular in the card market for various reasons: his fighting style, his appearance, his walkouts, and even how he conducts himself away from the octagon. O'Malley already holds the hearts of many collectors, and his market would gain a huge boost with a win and the security of the Bantamweight title. On the other hand, Merab (although vastly popular) still doesn't have the hobby love that many champions receive over time. With another title defense over O'Malley, eyes would start to open regarding his greatness, and his cards would ultimately draw more attention.
Ahead of UFC 316, one sports card each will be featured, as it may specifically rise or fall based on the outcome of the fight.
Merab Dvalishvili 2021 Prizm Gold /10 Rookie
The lack of current cards being tracked for Merab is a perfect example of the lack of hobby love that he receives. However, this gold rookie /10 has a raw sale of $500 back in 2021. There has also been no record of this card being graded, therefore, the play here may be to invest in this card raw (with the expectation that it is more expensive now) and grade it through PSA .
Sean O'Malley 2023 Chronicles Kaboom! (SSP)
With many more cards to choose from, O'Malley's 2023 Kaboom seems to be one of the most iconic pieces to look at before the fight. It last sold in raw form for $300 back in March of this year, setting a solid price point for a UFC card. His PSA 10s are currently up 19% over the last month and last sold for $990 on May 24th.
The main event of UFC 316 looks to gain the attention of fans all around the world as it kicks off summer with a knockout. As for these two fighters, hobby attention will either be gained or added onto in a big way.