Merab Dvalishvili has given his thoughts on Sean O’Malley’s impressive title defense at UFC 299 this past Saturday and has given a shock prediction for their potential fight.
‘Suga’ Sean schooled ‘Chito’ Vera over their five-round fight and put on his career-best performance. Following the fight, he called out the UFC featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria, ordering Dana White to get a private jet ready and book the fight to take place in Spain.
Ilia Topuria, who later responded on X, said: “Suga, congrats… Was a beautiful performance! There is a fight chasing you with Merab (Dvalishvili)… Get that done first.”
‘El Matador’ and Merab Dvalishvili both represent Georgia, and the two have built a strong relationship. Talking in an interview with The Schmo, Merab gave his respect to Ilia for pointing O’Malley back in his direction.
“Respect to Ilia, he’s the man, he’s a real champion and I love Ilia, he knows.” Merab said.
Merab Dvalishvili gives opinion on O’Malley’s performance and shock prediction
The 33-year-old weighed in as a backup for the UFC 299 main event but as seen before on several occasions, that doesn’t guarantee the next title shot.
It did guarantee him a seat on the front row, though, as he watched on as Sean O’Malley utterly dominated the Ecuadorian challenger.
Talking about O’Malley’s performance, Merab Dvalishvili said:
“He’s very technical, his footwork and reach works. I mean he’s working and getting better and I look at him as a good challenge, he’s a dangerous opponent for me and as a fighter.
“I have so much respect for him but we all have to find out this is MMA, we all saw a kick-boxing fight on Saturday it was just all strikes, he’s done very good against grapplers before, but let’s see how he does with me, I’m the next guy we all know.”
Throughout his UFC tenure, Dvalishvili has managed to weaponize his cardi which has seen him pick up nine wins by decision.
Despite not being known for his finishing tendencies, Merab has offered a shock prediction for his possible fight with champion, O’Malley.
“I’m just going to fight and do my best and of course, I’m always focused on just winning. I’m ready for everything, I’m getting better everywhere even striking, grappling, Jiu-Jitsu, we will see.
“Don’t be surprised I may knock him out because he’s very confident and I have some skills I’m getting better and I can knock out O’Malley, I believe so.”
The last time ‘The Machine’ was able to finish a fight, was back in 2021 when he knocked out former champion, Marlon Moraes, in the second round of their UFC 266 fight.