Barrier Collapse Nearly Hits UFC Bantamweight Champion Dvalishvili at UFC 316 Walkout

During the UFC 316 main event walkout, bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili narrowly avoided injury when a barrier separating fans from the fighters collapsed, causing several fans to fall onto the walkway near him. UFC President Dana White confirmed there were no injuries from the incident, which was the second such occurrence he had witnessed in 25 years. Dvalishvili recounted that he was almost knocked out by a fan who fell on top of him but maintained his professionalism and proceeded to the Octagon, ultimately defending his title by submitting Sean O'Malley in the third round. The incident was reminiscent of a similar crowd collapse at UFC 289, where fans fell from a height during Mike Mallott's walkout. Despite the close call, Dvalishvili's focus remained on the fight, and the event continued without further disruption. A cameraman was also caught in the collapse but was unharmed, and the UFC broadcast quickly moved past the incident.