The UFC returned to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with UFC 316, featuring a pair of title fights that highlighted the night. While the event lacked edge-of-your-seat action, it did showcase some dominant performances and rising stars.

Men's Bantamweight Championship: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley

Result: Dvalishvili defeats O'Malley by third-round submission Grade: B+ Merab Dvalishvili delivered another suffocating performance, submitting Sean O'Malley with ease. Dvalishvili's relentless pressure and evolving skill set continue to frustrate opponents, solidifying his place as one of the greatest bantamweights in UFC history.

Women's Bantamweight Championship: Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison

Result: Harrison defeats Peña by second-round submission Grade: B Kayla Harrison dominated from the start, imposing her will on Julianna Peña. Harrison's performance raises questions about how she would fare against Amanda Nunes, making her a formidable contender in the women's bantamweight division.

Middleweight: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer

Result: Pyfer defeats Gastelum by unanimous decision Grade: D+ Joe Pyfer's headhunting approach made for a lackluster fight, despite an early knockdown. Pyfer's post-fight apology for not securing a knockout highlighted the disappointment in this matchup.

Men's Bantamweight: Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix

Result: Bautista defeats Mix by unanimous decision Grade: C Patchy Mix's underwhelming performance left much to be desired, as he failed to utilize his grappling skills. Bautista capitalized on Mix's struggles, securing a solid win.

Welterweight: Vicente Luque vs. Kevin Holland

Result: Holland defeats Luque by second-round submission Grade: B Kevin Holland reminded everyone of his potential with a dominant performance, submitting Vicente Luque with a tightly cinched anaconda choke.

Men's Flyweight: Bruno Silva vs. Joshua Van

Result: Van defeats Silva by third-round TKO Grade: B Joshua Van's sharp striking and patience paid off, as he secured a TKO victory over Bruno Silva. Van's performance suggests he could be a future title contender.

Light Heavyweight: Azamat Murzakanov vs. Brendson Ribeiro

Result: Murzakanov defeats Ribeiro by first-round TKO Grade: B- Azamat Murzakanov's power was on full display, as he quickly dispatched Brendson Ribeiro. Murzakanov remains unbeaten and deserving of a tougher opponent.

Heavyweight: Serghei Spivac vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Result: Cortes-Acosta defeats Spivac by unanimous decision Grade: D This heavyweight bout did little to excite, as both fighters failed to make a significant impact. The division remains in need of new title contenders.

Welterweight: Khaos Williams vs. Andreas Gustafsson

Result: Gustafsson defeats Williams by unanimous decision Grade: D+ Andreas Gustafsson's one-sided victory over Khaos Williams was marred by excessive clinching, making for an unexciting fight.

Women's Flyweight: Ariane da Silva vs. Wang Cong

Result: Wang defeats Da Silva by unanimous decision Grade: C Wang Cong's striking prowess was evident, as she easily defeated Ariane da Silva. Wang's leg kicks nearly secured a knockout, showcasing her potential in the division.

Featherweight: Jeka Saragih vs. JooSang Yoo

Result: Yoo defeats Saragih by first-round KO Grade: A JooSang Yoo delivered a knockout reminiscent of Conor McGregor, landing a devastating left hand that left Jeka Saragih face-planted. This highlight-reel finish is one for the ages.

Lightweight: Quillan Salkilld vs. Yanal Ashmouz

Result: Salkilld defeats Ashmouz by unanimous decision Grade: C Quillan Salkilld's improved wrestling was on display, though Yanal Ashmouz's late surge added some excitement. Salkilld secured the win with a solid performance.

Lightweight: MarQuel Mederos vs. Mark Choinski

Result: Mederos defeats Choinski by unanimous decision Grade: C- MarQuel Mederos dominated with calf kicks, severely compromising Mark Choinski. While not particularly exciting, Mederos' performance was effective.

UFC 316 Fight Card Grade: C

UFC 316 lacked overall excitement, but the dominant performances by Merab Dvalishvili, Kayla Harrison, JooSang Yoo, and Joshua Van saved the card from being a complete disappointment. These rising stars continue to make their mark in the UFC.