Dvalishvili, after winning the title at UFC 306 this past September, outworked Umar Nurmagomedov in his first defense in January. Cory Sandhagen, White said, is next in line for a shot at the belt, but also thinks the champ might wind up in another rematch eventually.

UFC 316 featured a rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley. Here are updates, results and highlights from the card.

Merab Dvalishvili retained his 135-pound championship when he tapped out Sean O’Malley in the third round in the main event of UFC 316 at the Prudential Center