Harrison and Dvalishvili Triumph as Bantamweight Champions at UFC 316 with Trump in Attendance
NEWARK, N.J. — Kayla Harrison added UFC gold to her championship repertoire and celebrated alongside President Donald Trump, clutching her title belt as she encountered fellow champion Merab Dvalishvili backstage.
Dvalishvili, riding high on a 13-fight win streak, had just defended his 135-pound title with a commanding performance in the main event of UFC 316.
Two bantamweight champions, one unforgettable evening.
“Congratulations, champ! Let me raise your hand,” Dvalishvili, who is from Georgia, hailed Harrison. “We are the champions!”
Dvalishvili even offered Harrison a tip on holding the belt for pictures. But she better savor her reign – Amanda Nunes, potentially stepping out of retirement, is fixated on reclaiming her title.
In the octagon, Dvalishvili vanquished Sean O’Malley, forcing a submission in the third round, while Harrison made Julianna Pena submit with seconds remaining in the second round, all unfolding in front of an electrified audience at the Prudential Center, including Trump and heavyweight great Mike Tyson.
Dvalishvili catapulted to prominence after outlasting O’Malley for the belt in a gritty decision last year. O’Malley took the loss to heart, overhauling his lifestyle to reach his prime, renouncing marijuana, and embracing a more conservative hairstyle, but it was insufficient to change the outcome.
Dvalishvili, now 20-4, narrowly avoided a commotion as a railing gave way during his entrance, but he marked his victory by perched atop the cage, addressing the 17,343 fans with uncontained jubilation.
Harrison, who struggled with cutting to 135 pounds, cemented her status among MMA legends. Her illustrious career includes Olympic judo gold medals in 2012 and 2016 and success in the Professional Fighters League before joining the UFC. With a 19-1 record, she only needed three UFC fights to become champion.
Tearful celebrations ensued, as Ivanka Trump captured the moment while Harrison challenged Nunes. Under announcer Joe Rogan's urging, security cleared the way for Nunes to enter for a tense staredown with Harrison, hinting at a future colossal matchup for the 135-pound crown and thrilling the crowd.
Meanwhile, Trump's appearance was celebrated as he arrived to Kid Rock's “American Bad Ass.” Harrison, echoing her judo roots, bowed to Trump pre-fight and embraced him post-victory, receiving a congratulatory kiss and capturing candid photos with him.
UFC fighter Kevin Holland seized his moment, shaking hands with Trump after winning against Vicente Luque. Joe Pyfer, draped in the American flag, reveled in the presidential presence after defeating Kelvin Gastelum by unanimous decision.
