Yes, Sean O’Malley has the potential to beat Merab Dvalishvili in UFC 316. In this sport, anything can happen and both fighters can able to beat each other. Sean O’Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili rematch has already been scheduled in the UFC 316 main event which take place on Jun 8, 2025, at 7:30 AM GMT+5:30 at Prudential Center, Newark United States.
Both fighters have an opposite fighting style.UFC Bantamweight fighter, Sean O’Malley is known for his elite striking skills and has one-punch knockout power. With a 72-inch reach, he also has very good distance management and counter-striking. While Merab Dvalishvili is known for his grappling-wrestling and insane cardio-like machine.
Merab Dvalishvili is the favorite over Suga in the rematch with a -265 favorite and O’Malley with a +225 underdog.
Sean O’Malley on his podcast
Sean O’Malley is very excited for the rematch as he said in his podcast. He also added that in the first fight, he was not fully performing as he was injured at that time. Since that fight, he has undergone shoulder surgery and claims to be in better shape, stating he’s “70% better” than before and ready to perform at his full potential. He is very confident and serious about his training camp for this rematch added by him.
Also shared that he is forever grateful to Merab that he beat him and made him a better fighter and better human.
How Sean O’Malley can beat Merab?
O’Malley hasn’t fought since losing his belt at UFC 306, and it’s creating buzz around the MMA fans that he will beat Merab or not in his rematch. Sean O’Malley has one-punch knockout power in his hands and he has multiple knockouts in his record. But if Sean “Suga” O’Malley needs to win over Merab the machine then he needs to focus on his timing and sharp striking with his counter-punching game. Also, focus on how to defend the relentless takedown of Merab.
Enhance takedowns defence
The most essential thing is to defend the takedowns of Merab in all 5 rounds if win over Merab. Merab has crazy cardio and if O’Malley failed to defend the takedowns of Merab then it’s hard to win. Sean needs to control the fight in the middle of the octagon and avoid the cage corners.
No need to run over KO
If Sean O’Malley needs to win then no need to run over KO of Merab the machine as he has a very good chin and it’s difficult to crack. In the first two rounds, if O’Malley pushes hard to go for knockout then it affects his gas tank and Merab will take advantage of it in a later round.
Sean O’Malley fight smarter, not harder.
Mantain Cardio
Maintaining the cardio is the main thing while the opponent is like Merab Dvalishvili. Merab didn’t finish the fight via submission or KO mostly as per records and he went for the decision victory. So O’Malley needs to maintain his cardio for the championship round if he can’t KO Merab in the early rounds.
Maintain the distance
O’Malley is known for his unpredictable striking during fight with his flowlessly switching the stances. And stance switching is the big factor in confusing the Merab while going for takedowns.
Grab striking opportunities
Sean also has very good footwork and it’s advantageous for him to defend the takedown and open the opportunities for the striking and his power punches. As O’Malley is known for his speed and timing he needs to grab the opportunities to knock down the Merab. Merab has a crazy pace in whole the fight and if Sean catches the window with his counter strike then he can get the knockout.
Follow the same approach as he knockout Aljamain Sterling with his counter punch.
Land significant strikes
As Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili is known for his cardio and crazy pace in all 5 rounds, it’s difficult for the opponent O’Malley to chase him in later championship rounds. And if Sean is not able to get the KO in early 5 minutes then the best way for him to go land significant strikes to Merab and ahead in scorecards for the judges. To KO Merab in a later round is very hard for Sean as Merab has a good chin.
The Bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen said that with a good strategy, O’Malley has the chance to capitalize on his knockout power during the fight.
FAQs :
Who won the first fight between Sean O’Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili?
Merab Dvalishvili won the first fight with the unanimous decision and became the new bantamweight champion in UFC 306 which took place on September 14, 2024, in Las Vegas.
Can O’Malley do jiu-jitsu?
Yes, after his loss against Merab, he started to focus on his ground game and started training with Collins.
Can O’Malley defend the takedown of Merab?
Yes, his takedown defense was 62% and he defended some takedowns in his first match against Merab.
Sean O’Malley loss fights against whom?
He lost his 2 fights against Marlon “Chito” Vera in UFC 299 and Merab “The Machine” in UFC 306. And his record is 18-2-0 (W-L-D).
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