Prediction markets put the probability at 24%: Will Merab Dvalishvili fight Alexandre Pantoja next. Currently, markets see this as unlikely (24% YES). UFC Freedom 250: Sean O'Malley vs.
The question of whether Merab Dvalishvili will fight Alexandre Pantoja next has emerged against a backdrop of already-announced bantamweight commitments. Following UFC Freedom 250 at the White House South Lawn on June 14, 2026, reporting indicated that Dvalishvili is linked to a trilogy fight with Petr Yan later this year, complicating any near-term crossover bout with the flyweight champion. The card itself was headlined by Justin Gaethje's fourth-round TKO of Ilia Topuria for the undisputed lightweight title, while Sean O'Malley stopped Aiemann Zahabi at 4:02 of round two on the main card. [Sports Illustrated, Jun 15]
Context around a potential merab dvalishvili fight alexandre pantoja next matchup hinges on the bantamweight champion's existing queue. Dvalishvili previously defeated O'Malley by unanimous decision at UFC 306 — Riyadh Season Noche UFC, and the former champion has since been pushing publicly for a rematch with Petr Yan, the same opponent reportedly slated for Dvalishvili. O'Malley's TKO win over Zahabi kept the Freedom 250 card's KO/TKO streak alive at five and reasserted his position in the title picture, further crowding the 135-pound division and reducing the immediate window for a champion-versus-champion bout against Pantoja. [The Leaf Chronicle, Jun 14]
Broader post-Freedom 250 matchmaking discussions have centered on Topuria's rebuild, Alex Pereira's title defense against Ciryl Gane, and a possible Jon Jones return, with no reporting placing a merab dvalishvili fight alexandre pantoja next booking on the UFC's announced calendar. Pantoja remains active at flyweight while Dvalishvili's name continues to be attached to bantamweight contenders rather than a cross-division superfight. With the trilogy with Yan flagged as the likely path and O'Malley angling for the same opponent, the matchmaking lane required to elevate the Pantoja bout to "next" status would require both champions to clear or skip existing obligations before any announcement could surface. [Bleacher Report, Jun 15]
Polymarket prices this at 24c YES with $140K in volume. Moderate liquidity — use limit orders for positions above $1K to avoid moving the price.
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