The UFC 316 fight card has seen a big late change. Shamil Gaziev is out, and Serghei Spivac will now face surging contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta on June seventh on the Prudential Center in Newark, Latest Jersey. The news, first reported by Knockout Alerts on X, has sent ripples through the heavyweight division and added fresh intrigue to an already loaded PPV event.
The Heavyweight Switch: Spivac vs. Cortes-Acosta
Originally, Spivac was set to face Gaziev in a pivotal heavyweight clash. With Gaziev’s withdrawal, rumored to be as a result of a possible title opportunity or injury, Moldovan grappler Spivac now turns his attention to Cortes-Acosta, a Dominican powerhouse riding a wave of momentum.
Spivac, nicknamed “The Polar Bear,” is thought for his relentless takedowns and submission skills, boasting 15 finishes in 17 wins, with a recent first-round submission of Marcin Tybura highlighting his ground dominance. Nevertheless, he’s coming off a troublesome loss to Jailton Almeida and can be trying to reassert himself as a top contender.
Cortes-Acosta, meanwhile, is on a hot streak, sitting at 13-1 as a professional and 6-1 within the UFC. He recently knocked out Ryan Spann and has beaten veterans like Andrei Arlovski and Robelis Despaigne, showing each knockout power and the power to go the space. His boxing background and improved takedown defense can be tested against Spivac’s grappling-heavy attack.
UFC 316 Is Absolutely Stacked!
While the heavyweight switch-up grabs headlines, UFC 316 stays one of the vital anticipated cards of the yr, featuring two title fights and a deep supporting forged.
Most important Event: Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2
The foremost event is a high-stakes bantamweight title rematch between champion Merab Dvalishvili and former champ Sean O’Malley. Dvalishvili dethroned O’Malley at UFC 306 and now looks to defend his belt for the primary time. O’Malley, known for his flashy striking and charisma, seeks redemption and a return to the highest.
Co-Most important Event: Peña vs. Harrison
The co-main event features Julianna Peña defending her women’s bantamweight title against two-time Olympic judo gold medalist and former PFL champion Kayla Harrison. Harrison’s transition to the UFC has been a significant storyline, and Peña’s gritty style guarantees a compelling clash.
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Most important Card Highlights
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer: A middleweight showdown between a former interim title challenger and a rising knockout artist.
Marlon Vera vs. Mario Bautista: Bantamweight motion with Vera trying to rebound and Bautista searching for a signature win.
Johnny Walker vs. Azamat Murzakanov: Light heavyweight fireworks as Walker’s unpredictability meets Murzakanov’s undefeated record.
Vicente Luque vs. Kevin Holland: Welterweight fan favorites known for his or her ending instincts and willingness to brawl.
Prelims to Watch
Bruno Silva vs. Joshua Van: Flyweight prospects clash in a bout with future rankings implications.
Ariane da Silva vs. Cong Wang: Women’s flyweight motion featuring international talent.
What’s Next for Gaziev?
Shamil Gaziev’s withdrawal has sparked speculation. Some fans imagine he’s being lined up for a title shot against Tom Aspinall, especially with Jon Jones’ return uncertain. Others think a matchup with Ilia Topuria might be within the works. Regardless, Gaziev stays a reputation to look at within the heavyweight division.
Despite the late change, UFC 316 stays a must-watch event. The Spivac vs. Cortes-Acosta bout provides a fresh storyline within the heavyweight division, while the cardboard’s title fights and stacked foremost card promise high drama and potential for highlight-reel moments. With Newark hosting its first UFC event since 2024, fans can expect a raucous atmosphere and an evening that might shape the longer term of multiple divisions.
As fight night approaches, anticipation continues to construct not just for the title bouts but in addition for the ripple effects this card could have on the rankings and future matchmaking. The heavyweight division, particularly, is in a state of flux, with contenders jockeying for position and the winner of Spivac vs. Cortes-Acosta potentially earning a shot at a top-five opponent. Meanwhile, the outcomes within the bantamweight and ladies’s bantamweight title fights could arrange blockbuster rematches or pave the way in which for brand new challengers to emerge.
For fans, UFC 316 offers a mix of proven stars, rising prospects, and unpredictable matchups that epitomize the thrill of MMA at the best level. Whether you’re tuning in for the championship drama, the heavyweight shake-up, or the undercard gems, this event guarantees to deliver memorable moments and set the stage for the second half of the UFC’s 2025 calendar.
