Noche UFC 306: Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili: Live -round-by-round updates

A bantamweight title clash between reigning champion Sean O'Malley and the No.1-ranked contender Merab Dvalishvili will headline Noche UFC 306 later tonight (Sept.14) at The Las Vegas Sphere.

O'Malley (18-1-1) is one of the promotion's biggest draws. The Montana native's unparalleled striking skills and flamboyant persona have made him a big hit with fight fans.

'Sugar' won the 135-pound gold with a TKO win over Dvalishvili's teammate Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292. As such, 'The Machine' will be hoping to exact retribution in addition to realizing his title dreams this weekend.

Dvalishvili (17-4) is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the division. His insane cardio coupled with proficient offensive wrestling would make the Georgian a nightmare for anyone in at bantamweight.

The 33-year-old holds wins over the likes of Henry Cejudo, Petr Yan, and Jose Aldo among others, and is currently on a 10-fight win streak.

The bookmakers see the fight as a close one. 'Sugar' has been given a -118 chance of victory with Dvalishvili close behind at -102.

The main card of Noche UFC 306 is now underway. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the fight card.

---

Noche UFC 306: Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili

Round 1

O'Malley is immediately on the front foot chasing his opponent around the octagon. The referee warns 'The Machine' for yelling at O'Malley's coach.

As the fight restarts O'Malley misses with a spinning head kick. Herb Dean warns the O'Malley corner for yelling instructions at the opponent. A good body kick lands for the challenger. A jab lands for the champion.

A jab followed by right-hand land for 'Suagr'. 'The Machine' gets an easy takedown, but 'Sugar' gets back up to his feet. 'Sugar' concedes some powerful knees to the body.

O'Malley separates and gets back to striking. A nice right hand lands for Dvalishvili. O'Malley gets back to his feet but is quickly put down on the canvas. 'The Machine' threatens a guillotine, however. the champion gets back to his feet. A good round for the challenger.

Our score:10-9 Dvalishvili

Round 2

O'Malley is still on the front foot. The takedown threat hasn't made him gun-shy. Dvalishvili is constantly moving around the octagon denying 'Sugar' to snipe him from the outside.

Dvlaishvili ducks under a punch and takes his opponent down to the canvas. This time, however, the champion is finding it hard to get back to his feet. A triangle attempt by O'Malley. But the referee warns O'Malley for grabbing his opponent's gloves.

A nice right-hand lands for Dvalishvili on the mount. 'The Machine' is sinking in damaging shots on his opponent. As the champion makes his way to the cage wall in an attempt to get back up, Dvalsihvili has seemingly locked in a guillotine. As the champion gets back to his feet he unloads a few powerful punches on his opponent just before the bell.

The referee warns Davalishvili for kissing his opponent on the back.

Our score: 10-9 Dvalishvili

Round 3

O'Malley connects with multiple body shots. A good right hand to the head lands for the champion. 'The Machine' cliches up with his opponent and connects a knee to the head. The Georgian once again gets his opponent to the canvas.

O'Malley gets back up and gets back to his striking. Dvalishvili doesn't seem to have broken a sweat, his insane cardio is on full display. A knee to the head lands for the American.

O'Malley is not on the front foot anymore. The takedown threat seems to have caught up to him. A good left hand up top lands for O'Malley. Dvalishvili has attempted three takedowns this round without success.

A nice left hand followed by a knee to the head land for the champion at the end of the round.

Our score: 10-9 O'Malley.

Round 4

O'Malley's work rate has diminished. He now seems to be looking for a kill shot. A straight right hand up top land for 'Sugar'. 'The Machine' fakes an overhand right and attempts a takedown without success.

The second time around, he successfully level changes and gets top control of the champion. Dvalishvili is connecting with body shots on his opponent. O'Malley gets an underhook, but Dvalsihvili slips his arm and takes it back.

The champion makes his way back to the feet, but 'The Machine' is still on his back. Dvalishvili wears him down and gets O'Malley back on the canvas. Another guillotine attempt by the challenger, however, fails to secure it.

The Challenger connects with some debilitating shots on his opponent in the final seconds.

Our score: 10-9 Dvalishvili.

Round 5

O'Malley might need a finish to win the fight. 'Sugar's' work rate has considerably diminished. One more takedown by the challenger might end O'Malley's dreams of retaining the title.

Sure enough, Dvalishvili gets a takedown and O'Malley quickly drags himself to the cage wall. The champion is trying to get back to the feet.

O'Malley gets back up, however, he seems a bit winded. Dvalishvili seems like he is eyeing another level change. O'Malley sinks in a front kick to the body which seems to have hurt 'The Machine'.

He once again shoots the same kick, eliciting a reaction from his opponent. 'The Machine' seems to be hurt. He is looking at the clock. O'Malley sinks in a knee and follows it up with another body shot.

In the closing seconds of the fight, Dvalsihvili gets another takedown.

A good round for 'Sugar', but Dvalishvili most probably has the fight in the bag.

Our score: 10-9 O'Malley.

Official decision: Merab Dvalishvili def. Sean O'Malley via unanimous decision. (49-46,48,47,48-47)