Merab Dvalishvili vs Sean O’Malley UFC 316 fight ends with a dominant submission, but it’s Dvalishvili’s handshake with Donald Trump that steals the headlines. Read all the action-packed and viral moments here!
UFC 316 wasn’t just about punches, submissions, and titles—it turned into a political and viral spectacle, thanks to Merab Dvalishvili’s surprise gesture toward Donald Trump right after his explosive victory over Sean O’Malley.
Dvalishvili Taps Out O’Malley, Then Shocks the Crowd
In a heated Bantamweight title rematch, Merab Dvalishvili silenced critics and doubled down on his earlier claims by defeating Sean O’Malley via submission in the third round. From the opening bell, Merab’s aggressive grappling and relentless pace left no doubt about who owned the Octagon.
But the real jaw-dropper came just seconds after his hand was raised.
Dvalishvili Jumps the Cage to Shake Hands with Trump
In a move that sent shockwaves across the MMA world and political social media alike, Dvalishvili immediately leaped out of the cage and made a beeline to the front row—to shake hands with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The handshake was brief but powerful, with a few words exchanged between the fighter and Trump, both visibly energized by the moment.
Viral Moment Caught on Camera
Fans captured the moment from every angle, and within minutes, the handshake between Merab and Trump went viral on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. The moment became the highlight of the night—even surpassing Dvalishvili’s dominant performance inside the cage.
O’Malley Also Greets Trump Post-Fight
Despite the loss, Sean O’Malley followed suit. As he exited the Octagon, he too made his way to Trump, exchanging a respectful handshake. The moment added another layer of intrigue to the night, highlighting Trump’s growing presence in the UFC universe.
Donald Trump: The UFC Superfan?
Trump’s presence at UFC 316 wasn’t just ceremonial. The former President has become a frequent front-row guest at UFC events, often receiving massive cheers and even fighter shout-outs. His grand entrance at the arena also generated online buzz, with walk-in videos trending in real time.
Dvalishvili’s Bold Words Before the Fight Came True
Merab had promised fireworks before the bout, telling The Schmo:
“I was going easy on him in our first fight. This time, I’m looking to finish him.”
And finish he did. Dvalishvili not only backed up his bold prediction but also added some humor, referencing his infamous in-cage kiss from UFC 306:
“I already kissed him once. Now it’s time to smash him.”
Social Media Reacts: From MMA Fans to Political Pundits
The internet exploded with reactions to the handshake. While MMA fans debated Merab’s performance, political commentators jumped in to analyze the significance of his interaction with Trump.
Some trending hashtags included:
- #MerabDvalishvili
- #UFC316
- #TrumpHandshake
- #OmalleyvsDvalishvili
- #MMAnews
Why This Moment Matters
The Merab Dvalishvili vs Sean O’Malley UFC 316 match has now become one of the most talked-about UFC events of the year—not only for the thrilling athleticism but for its unexpected political crossover. Whether you’re an MMA fan or a political enthusiast, this fight night had something for everyone.
