UFC fighter Sean O’Malley expressed his desire to become the champion at UFC 292, but highlighted that he’d rather have a rematch with Marlon “Chito” Vera, his only professional defeat, rather than face higher-ranked Merab Dvalishvili, reasoning that the former would be a more lucrative and highly anticipated fight.
Sean O’Malley has a fierce ambition to become the champion at UFC 292. Despite this, he remains a dedicated prize fighter. Maintaining his focus on the future, O’Malley is already planning his course of action following a potential victory over Aljamain Sterling on Saturday. He sees his anticipated return in December to potentially involve a rematch against Marlon “Chito” Vera, the only professional fight he has lost. Even though Merab Dvalishvili occupies a higher rank and is on a longer winning spree, O’Malley would rather clash with Vera.
Speaking at UFC 292 media day, O’Malley made his preference clear. He said that between fighting “Chito” again or taking on Merab, the former is more enticing. He affirmed that he is in the fighting business and the fight that stands to make him more money is the obvious choice. To put it plainly, a rematch with “Chito” has more financial implications than a fight against Merab.
Despite Merab being a more deserving contender, especially in light of his recent domination over ex-bantamweight champion Petr Yan, O’Malley doesn’t regard him as an exciting opponent. The fact that Merab is a close friend and longtime teammate of Sterling only augments the tension surrounding a prospective contest, yet O’Malley remains adamant that it would not result in a notable fight. Recalling an altercation with Merab in May following Sterling’s victory over Henry Cejudo at UFC 288, O’Malley claimed he didn’t even recognize him.
As for a rematch with Vera, O’Malley is certain that it will draw a large audience. Vera ended their first face-off with a series of ground elbows and punches after O’Malley incurred a leg injury. O’Malley, although claiming to still be undefeated in spite of that match, acknowledges his eagerness to compete against Vera once again. He believes that a rematch with Vera is necessary and is willing to schedule it when the timing is right. However, first, Vera must overcome his own challenge against Pedro Munhoz later on Saturday. O’Malley admits harboring a vague suspicion that the duel may not proceed as aggressively as most predict, nevertheless, he hopes for Vera’s victory, optimistically remarking on the prospects of a potential Vera rematch in December.