Ben Askren questions Sean O’Malley‘s decision to immediately rematch Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316, suggesting O’Malley should have taken a fight against a different opponent to improve his wrestling and rebuild momentum after losing the title to Dvalishvili at UFC 306.
Ben Askren’s not saying Sean O’Malley can’t beat Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316. But he’s scratching his head over why O’Malley wants the rematch now.
Dvalishvili snagged the title from O’Malley via unanimous decision at UFC 306 last September. Fast forward to June 7, and they’re clashing again at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Askren thinks maybe O’Malley should’ve faced a different opponent first. A change of pace before diving back into the ring with the surging Dvalishvili.
“Kinda feels like a bad move,” Askren said on Funky & The Champ with Daniel Cormier. “If Merab beats him up again, O’Malley’s star power might dim. Twice-beaten by the champ? Not great for getting another shot.”
“He could’ve gone against some lower-ranked guys—ones who can’t take him down. He’d look like a superstar, right? Exciting, diverse striking attack… Could’ve built up a bigger fight later. Now it’s like, ‘We just saw this. Wasn’t competitive. Why again?’”
O’Malley claims he’s turned over a new leaf since losing to Dvalishvili. Ditched social media and feels healthier physically and mentally as he gears up for his fourth UFC championship bout.
Dvalishvili’s pressure and wrestling shone in their first meeting. Askren thinks O’Malley should’ve hit the mats more, honing those skills before jumping back in.
“Wish Sean would’ve spent more time improving his wrestling,” Askren mused. “But hey, he’s got dynamic striking, knockout power. Still, Merab’s been unstoppable lately.”