UFC 316 Results: Drama, Dominance, and Redemption in Newark

UFC 316 delivered an unforgettable night of fights at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, captivating MMA fans with jaw-dropping knockouts, submission masterclasses, and emotional comebacks. Whether you missed the action or want to relive the highlights, we’ve got you covered with the full results, key moments, and what’s next for the fighters. Let’s dive into the octagon!

Main Event: A Champion’s Redemption

The main event saw Israel Adesanya reclaim his middleweight throne against Dricus Du Plessis in a five-round war. Adesanya’s precision striking overwhelmed Du Plessis, culminating in a third-round TKO. This victory marks Adesanya’s return to form after a controversial loss in 2024.

• Result: Israel Adesanya def. Dricus Du Plessis via TKO (Round 3, 3:45)
• Key Moment: Adesanya’s spinning heel kick in Round 2 rocked Du Plessis, setting the stage for the finish.
• What’s Next?: Adesanya called out Robert Whittaker for a trilogy fight, while Du Plessis aims to regroup for a 2026 title run.

Co-Main Event: Flyweight Fireworks

Alexa Grasso defended her women’s flyweight title against Valentina Shevchenko in a rematch that lived up to the hype. Grasso’s relentless pressure and improved grappling secured a unanimous decision victory, solidifying her dominance in the division.

• Result: Alexa Grasso def. Valentina Shevchenko via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
• Key Moment: Grasso’s guillotine choke attempt in Round 4 nearly ended the fight.
• What’s Next?: Grasso eyes a superfight with Zhang Weili, while Shevchenko may drop to bantamweight.

Full UFC 316 Results

Here’s the complete rundown of the main card and prelims:

Main Card

• Welterweight: Shavkat Rakhmonov def. Ian Machado Garry via submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 4:12
• Light Heavyweight: Magomed Ankalaev def. Aleksandar Rakić via KO, Round 1, 2:33
• Featherweight: Movsar Evloev def. Aljamain Sterling via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Preliminary Card

• Bantamweight: Merab Dvalishvili def. Petr Yan via TKO, Round 3, 1:55
• Lightweight: Benoit Saint-Denis def. Justin Gaethje via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Women’s Strawweight: Tatiana Suarez def. Virna Jandiroba via submission (armbar), Round 2, 3:20
• Middleweight: Bo Nickal def. Paul Craig via KO, Round 1, 0:45

Early Prelims

• Heavyweight: Don’Tale Mayes def. Waldo Cortes Acosta via unanimous decision
• Women’s Flyweight: Karine Silva def. Ariane Lipski via TKO, Round 2, 2:15
• Welterweight: Nicolas Dalby def. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos via split decision

Trending Moments from UFC 316

1. Ankalaev’s Statement KO: Magomed Ankalaev’s first-round knockout of Aleksandar Rakić has fans clamoring for a title shot against Alex Pereira. Is Ankalaev the man to dethrone “Poatan”?
2. Rakhmonov’s Submission Clinic: Shavkat Rakhmonov’s flawless performance against Ian Machado Garry cements his status as a welterweight title contender.
3. Bo Nickal’s Hype Train Rolls On: The wrestling phenom’s 45-second KO keeps his undefeated streak alive, but tougher tests await.

Why UFC 316 Mattered

UFC 316 wasn’t just another fight night—it reshaped several divisions. Adesanya’s resurgence shakes up the middleweight landscape, while Grasso’s win solidifies the flyweight division’s pecking order. Emerging stars like Rakhmonov and Ankalaev are now undeniable title threats, setting the stage for blockbuster matchups in 2025.

The event also trended heavily on social media, with fans on X praising the high finish rate (7 of 12 fights ended early) and Adesanya’s emotional post-fight speech.

How to Watch UFC 316 Highlights

Missed the fights? Catch the official highlights on:

• ESPN+: Full fight replays and post-fight analysis.
• UFC’s YouTube Channel: Free clips of the biggest moments.
• Social Media: Follow @UFC on X for behind-the-scenes content and fighter reactions.

What’s Next for UFC in 2025?

UFC 316 sets the tone for an explosive second half of 2025. Up next is UFC 317 in Las Vegas, featuring a lightweight title clash between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. Stay tuned for our preview and predictions!

For the latest UFC news, results, and fighter updates, bookmark our blog or follow us on [insert social media handles]. Share your thoughts on UFC 316 in the comments below—who stole the show for you?