The wait for a conclusive end to one of the UFC’s most anticipated rivalries came to a thunderous close Saturday night, as Merab Dvalishvili submitted Sean O’Malley in the third round at UFC 316. With this definitive win, Dvalishvili not only retained his bantamweight title but also reinforced his growing legend in the octagon.

Held inside the packed Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, the fight was billed as a high-stakes rematch. Their first clash at UFC 306 ended in a unanimous decision, but many felt O’Malley still had cards left to play. This time, however, the Georgian powerhouse made sure there was no ambiguity. The reigning bantamweight champion walked into the cage with a singular mission — and walked out having delivered a flawless, crushing performance.

The UFC champion overwhelmed his flashy opponent with relentless pressure, mixing calculated striking with explosive grappling. From the first bell, he took away O’Malley’s usual rhythm, smothering the former champ and cutting off his flashy striking game. Dvalishvili’s takedowns were textbook execution, and it was his fifth successful takedown that led to the fight-ending D’Arce choke at 4:42 in Round 3.

This victory marks the 13th straight win for the relentless 135-pounder, tying him for the fourth-longest streak in UFC history — a feat that places him among the greats. The bantamweight phenom has now successfully defended his belt twice, with his first defense coming against Umar Nurmagomedov earlier this year. He is now set to face top contender Cory Sandhagen, who recently dispatched Deiveson Figueiredo with clinical precision.

The former titleholder, often dubbed “The Suga Show,” was humble in defeat. Having recently recovered from hip surgery and stepping into the cage as a new father, O’Malley showed heart but was simply outmatched. The UFC statistics told the story bluntly — Dvalishvili outlanded O’Malley 135 to 34 in total strikes and controlled nearly every aspect of the fight.

After the match, the Georgian warrior delivered an emotional message to fans: “I just work every day and repeat. Training is number one for me. Please believe in your dreams and work for them. Everything is possible.”

Despite the loss, the flamboyant striker maintained his signature composure in the post-fight octagon interview, calling Dvalishvili “a motherf—er” with a mix of admiration and resignation. “I didn’t feel like it was going to go like that,” he admitted. “But I’m excited to go home to my kids and my perfect wife.”

With back-to-back wins over elite contenders and a complete shutout over one of the UFC’s biggest names, Dvalishvili is no longer just the bantamweight champion — he’s a serious pound-for-pound force. Currently ranked No. 4 globally, he continues to climb, one takedown and one dream at a time.

Alzarri Shaheim Joseph, the towering Antiguan pacer who burst onto the scene with a record-breaking IPL debut, has built an impressive financial empire. As of mid‑2025, his estimated net worth stands at US $11.3 million (₹93.66 crore), cementing his place among the wealthiest West Indies cricketers

Joseph’s monetary ascent is fueled by a varied income stream: a central contract with Cricket West Indies, lucrative match fees across international formats, and major franchise league deals. Highlights include IPL contracts with Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, and RCB—capped by a staggering ₹11.5 crore ($1.38 million) deal in 2024 . The Antigua News Room confirms his cumulative wealth, including an extra $1.3 million from league fees, reaching $11.3 million

Joseph also commands a strong regional brand presence. He is associated with sponsors like Nike, Coca‑Cola, Pepsi, and Deluxe Sports Company, boosting his off-field earnings . His passion for luxury is evident in his car collection, which includes a Mercedes S-Class, BMW X5, and Lamborghini Huracan

At just 28, the fast bowler has secured a solid financial foundation. With continued IPL success and international stardom, his net worth shows every sign of further growth—cementing his status as both a cricketing powerhouse and lucrative personal brand.

Matthew Forde, the dynamic Barbadian all-rounder and emerging star in the West Indies cricket setup, has been turning heads both on and off the field. As of mid‑2025, his exact net worth remains undisclosed—official estimates from sports finance trackers are still “not publicly disclosed” . Yet, even without a firm figure, the contours of his wealth are clear: steady earnings from international contracts, franchise cricket, and growing brand appeal.

Forde officially broke into the West Indies scene in December 2023, and since then, his financial profile has seen significant uplift. He plays on central contracts with Cricket West Indies and earns match fees across ODI and T20 internationals. Beyond international duties, Forde’s participation in franchise leagues—most notably the Caribbean Premier League with St Lucia Kings, the Lanka Premier League with Dambulla Aura, and stints with the Comilla Victorians—offers lucrative remuneration, often exceeding that of national team paydays.

Commercial opportunities are beginning to materialize too. While details are scarce, regional endorsements are likely emerging. Many Caribbean cricketers of similar profiles begin with local brand deals before progressing to broader sponsorship arrangements as visibility grows.

At just 23, Forde stands at the threshold of a promising career—not only athletically but financially. Though his net worth remains under wraps for now, all signs suggest a rising valuation. With continued performance, especially in international and franchise cricket, it’s only a matter of time before Forde’s financial ascent becomes publicly quantified.