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.

Merab Dvalishvili took down Sean O’Malley in their UFC 316 rematch, winning by submission in the third round on Saturday to retain the Bantamweight belt. But it was Dvalishvili's actions immediately after winning that captured some of the most attention.

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