The rematch between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili is just a few days away. O’Malley is looking to regain the bantamweight title he lost at UFC 306. As both fighters gear up for their highly anticipated clash at UFC 316, ‘Suga’ has criticized Dvalishvili’s strategy, calling his game plan “stupid.”
‘The Machine’ secured the win in their first fight by decision, showcasing his elite wrestling and relentless cardio. In the upcoming rematch, the Georgian fighter is aiming to flip the script by relying on his striking to knock out ‘Suga.’
However, the former bantamweight champion, known for his elite striking and knockout power, dismisses the idea of Dvalishvili turning to striking. In a recent UFC video, O’Malley said, “If that’s his gameplan, that would be stupid.”
Merab: "Im just gonna strike back and knock him out."
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 1, 2025
Sean: "If that's his gameplan, that would be stupid."
🎥 @ufc pic.twitter.com/i9kg4eeXVg
Meanwhile, O’Malley has been focused on preparing for the rematch ever since he lost his title. He had also dealt with a hip injury during their first fight, but has since recovered and returned to full training. With both fighters ready, their rematch is shaping up to be one that fans won’t want to miss.
Sean O’Malley Dreams of Conor McGregor-Level Fame but Calls It a Once-in-a-Lifetime Rise
Rising UFC star Sean O’Malley has long drawn comparisons to Conor McGregor, not just for his knockout power and striking style, but also for his larger-than-life persona. From his bold presence to headlining major events like the UFC’s historic Las Vegas Sphere card, O’Malley has embraced the spotlight. In a recent appearance on the Full Send Podcast, he spoke candidly about his ambitions, saying,
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
“I always kind of put myself out there. I want to be as big as Conor McGregor. I want to do that. I don’t think I could be as big as Conor. He was once in a lifetime.”
While McGregor’s legacy, marked by record-breaking achievements and global fame, remains unmatched, O’Malley is carving his own path, now laser-focused on reclaiming his bantamweight title from Merab Dvalishvili. Can he take back the belt, or will Dvalishvili pull off another upset? Only time will tell.
