UFC champion Sean O’Malley has confirmed he will face Merab Dvalishvili, the bantamweight division’s top contender, in his second title defense.
Sean O’Malley’s ready. He’s primed to take on the bantamweight division’s top contender.
Merab Dvalishvili’s on a hot streak, ten wins and counting. No shocker then, that a showdown with reigning UFC champ O’Malley is on the horizon. O’Malley’s recent victory over Marlon Vera at UFC 299, a sweet revenge for his only career loss, has cleared the way. It’s time for him and Dvalishvili to share the octagon.
O’Malley’s been toying with other options. Maybe taking on featherweight champ Ilia Topuria, or even a bit of boxing. But on his TimboSugarShow podcast, he made it clear. Dvalishvili’s next. His second title defense opponent.
“Merab’s next,” O’Malley declared. “Merab is f****** next. Your wish is granted.”
O’Malley’s a crowd-pleaser. He’s been a well-marketed fighter since scoring a UFC contract on the first season of Dana White’s Contender Series. His striking style impressed Contender Series guest commentator Snoop Dogg. The legendary rapper’s endorsement helped catapult O’Malley to stardom.
O’Malley’s popularity gives him some clout. He could pick and choose his fights. But he’s adamant. Dodging a fight with Dvalishvili was never part of his game plan.
“A lot of people said I’m ducking him — I just really am not ducking that little dude,” O’Malley said. “I like the fight for me. There’s multiple ways to win. I’m excited about the fight now, finally. I was never ducking him, I was just never excited to fight him. He’s just such a, I don’t know — now, is it the right time?
“Like the ‘Chito’ rematch, the time will come where it’s the right time to fight certain people. Merab’s next, and be careful what you wish for, buddy.”
One reason for O’Malley’s hesitation? Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and wrestling skills. The Georgian fighter could be the perfect counterpoint to O’Malley’s flash.
In anticipation of Dvalishvili’s grappling, O’Malley’s considering a shift in training. “I’m not even going to shadowbox, I’m going to ‘shadowwrestle,'” he joked.