UFC 316 is just around the corner, and fans are fired up for the highly anticipated bantamweight rematch between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. But ahead of their showdown, Dvalishvili is already making bold statements—revealing plans for a potential fight in New York or Las Vegas against Cory Sandhagen.
‘Suga’ lost his bantamweight title to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 and now looks to reclaim it at UFC 316. But with the title fight just days away, other contenders are also lining up for their shot. Meanwhile, the reigning champion Dvalishvili has his sights set on a potential bout with Cory Sandhagen in New York. Speaking with sports reporter Manouk Akopyan, the Georgian fighter said:
“Looks like a Cory Sandhagen is ready for me… He’s a great contender. He beat a lot of guy in our division. I don’t mind to take another quick turnaround and fight one more time this year in either New York or Las Vegas.”
I have to stop joking on X.
— Azamat Bekoev (@AzamatBekoev) June 3, 2025
UFC doesn’t have sense of humor pic.twitter.com/LsyYBd0GkM
Sandhagen was on track for a title shot but missed the opportunity after losing to Umar Nurmagomedov. Umar not only won the fight but also secured the next title shot. However, after Sandhagen’s recent win over Deiveson Figueiredo, he has once again emerged as a top contender in the bantamweight division.
Sean O’Malley Calls Merab Dvalishvili’s Strategy Stupid
The bantamweight rematch between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili is just days away, and tensions are high. O’Malley is looking to regain the title he lost at UFC 306. Before the fight, he openly criticized Dvalishvili’s strategy, calling it “stupid.” In their first bout, Dvalishvili won by decision using his wrestling and endurance.
I have to stop joking on X.
— Azamat Bekoev (@AzamatBekoev) June 3, 2025
UFC doesn’t have sense of humor pic.twitter.com/LsyYBd0GkM
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For the rematch, Dvalishvili plans to rely more on striking to try and knock out ‘Suga.’ But O’Malley dismissed that idea in a recent UFC video, saying, “If that’s his gameplan, that would be stupid.” After recovering from a hip injury from their first fight, O’Malley has returned to full training and is ready for the showdown.
The fight is highly anticipated, with fans eager to see if O’Malley can reclaim his title or if ‘The Machine’ will rely more on striking. Only time will tell who comes out on top.
Also Read: Merab Dvalishvili Eyes Striking Showdown With Sean O’Malley If Takedowns Are Thwarted
