Sean O’Malley is never short on words, and ahead of his rematch with Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316, he’s betting the house on another knockout highlight.
Speaking at the pre-fight press conference, O’Malley didn’t hold back: “I truly believe I’m going to knock Merab out. Come Sunday, no one’s going to care about him.” It’s a bold claim, but “Sugar” Sean has built a reputation on delivering violent, flashy finishes. Fans remember his stunning wins over the likes of Aljamain Sterling, Raulian Paiva, and Kris Moutinho, not to mention brutal KOs against Thomas Almeida, Eddie Wineland, and Jose Alberto Quiñónez.
But the memory of their last clash still lingers—Dvalishvili weathered O’Malley’s offense and executed a dominant, wrestling-heavy game plan at UFC 306 to snatch the belt. Since then, the Georgian has defended his title and extended his win streak to 12, firmly establishing himself as one of the UFC’s toughest puzzles at 135.
O’Malley, however, claims he’s made major changes. “I’m 70% better than I was,” he told media, signaling improved wrestling defense and sharper striking. Bookmakers still have him listed as the underdog, but if O’Malley lands clean, he could steal back the title—and the spotlight.
Will Merab shut him down once more with pace and pressure, or will O’Malley’s right hand erase everything Dvalishvili has built? We’ll find out at UFC 316.
