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In the main event of UFC 306 tonight, Sean O’Malley takes on Merab Dvalishvili in a highly-anticipated bantamweight title fight.
“Sugar Sean” O’Malley is making his second defence of the belt, having won it from Aljamain Sterling with a picture-perfect knockout last August, before retaining it with a masterclass against Marlon Vera in March.
The American star may face a stern test in Las Vegas, however, as he encounters a challenger on a 10-fight win streak. Georgia’s Dvalishvili enters the Sphere on the back of three straight victories against former champions: Henry Cejudo, Petr Yan and Jose Aldo.
And in the co-main event of UFC 306, Alexa Grasso defends her flyweight title against divisional icon Valentina Shevchenko, in a long-awaited trilogy bout. Grasso submitted Shevchenko in a shock result in 2022, before the pair fought to a controversial draw in 2023.
Elsewhere at UFC 306, which has also been branded ‘UFC Noche’ as a celebration of Mexican fighting on the nation’s Independence weekend, Diego Lopes fights Brian Ortega. Follow live updates and results from UFC 306, below.
UFC 306 LIVE: Edgar Chairez vs Joshua Van
Nice one-two from Chairez but Van quickly replies with an overhand of his own. Both beginning to slow down after a gruelling first two rounds but still vast potential for a finish here.
Chairez slips and ends up his back, Van flies in with a hammer fist but doesn’t connect. Up against the cage and the pair and Van finds himself at risk of a triangle, but manages to escape and produce a fair few good ground strikes – something that could prove pivotal on the scorecards.
Not as high octane as the previous rounds but a very entertaining fight nonetheless as it goes the distance. The judges scorecards are in, and…
Joshua Van def. Edgar Chairez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Superb display from Van, especially given the fact he took the fight on short notice. No training camp? No problem.
Will Castle15 September 2024 01:36
UFC 306 LIVE: Edgar Chairez vs Joshua Van
Swing and a miss from Chairez and Van comes into the second looking a different man.
Brilliant combinations from Van and Chairez is stumbling on his feet in real danger. The Mexican is getting battered, the fight is maybe five seconds away from being stopped – but then out of nowhere, spinning back fist from Chairez!
Van is right back on the defensive and needs to take Chairez for a reprieve. The two get back to their feet and are going tit for tat with headshots. They end up on the ground again and Chairez goes for a guillotine, his specialist submission, but can’t lock it in.
A wild second round. Some way to start the night.
Will Castle15 September 2024 01:27
UFC 306 LIVE: Edgar Chairez vs Joshua Van
Chairez starts the more aggressive and finds early success with his low kicks. Quickly becomes clear that Van is struggling to deal with the targeting of his left leg.
Growing in confidence, Chairez begins to do damage further up the body and connects with a vicious knee. With a minute to go, he connects with a one-two to knock Van down, but the American is back up instantly.
Van is able to survive for the rest of the round. Chairez will be happy with the first five minutes.
Will Castle15 September 2024 01:22
UFC 306 LIVE: Raul Rosas Jr. vs Aoriqileng
We join the broadcast midway through the only early prelim of the night as Raul Rosas Jr. goes to battle with Aoriqileng.
A largely dominant effort from the 19-year-old as the fight goes the distance.
Raul Rosas Jr. def. Aoriqileng via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Three in a row for Rosas Jr. Onto the prelims – Edgar Chairez vs Joshua Van up next.
Will Castle15 September 2024 01:12
ICYMI: Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic date confirmed
Some non-UFC 306 breaking news to kick off the evening.
Jon Jones will face Stipe Miocic for the UFC heavyweight title at UFC 309 on November 16 at Madison Square Garden, the UFC have confirmed.
Will Castle15 September 2024 01:05
UFC 306 LIVE: First look at the Sphere
Quite simply mindblowing. Tonight is going to be a fightcard like no other seen before – at least outside of the cage.
Will Castle15 September 2024 01:02
UFC 306 LIVE: Regular prelims under way!
Over to Will Castle, who will tell you what happened in tonight’s early prelim(s) and guide you through the regular prelims.
Alex Pattle15 September 2024 01:00
Conor McGregor rages online as UFC comeback fight is cancelled
In other UFC news from the last 24 hours or so…
Alex Pattle15 September 2024 00:57
UFC 306 LIVE: Where does Sugar Sean rank on our p4p list?
Sean O’Malley occupies a spot in our pound-for-pound top 10, but have we judged him harshly?
Alex Pattle15 September 2024 00:55
UFC 306 LIVE: Event goes up against Canelo vs Berlanga boxing card
UFC 306 isn’t the only fight event in Vegas tonight…
The MMA card is going up against Canelo vs Berlanga, the boxing event which is under way at the T-Mobile Arena.
You can read our preview of that fight here:
Alex Pattle15 September 2024 00:50
