Giorgi Kharshiladze

Merab Dvalishvili is set to face O’Malley in the rematch

Georgian “Machine” Merab Dvalishvili is set to give another title chance to Sean O’Malley. Merab will rematch Sean for the bantamweight title. Boy, this should be a battle to watch!

Dvalishvili beat O’Malley last September at UFC 306 and took away the belt from Sean in Las Vegas. Later, he went face to face with Umar Nurmagomedov and took this fight as well. Sean was waiting. For the outcome. For another chance at title. And, it seems, that his time has come.

The time of the fight has yet to be confirmed, but rumors say, that it could be as soon, as this summer. 34 year old Dvalishvili is set for another showdown with a talented challenger. As for Sean, he is highly motivated and is ready, while Dvalishvili is eager to finish O’Malley once again.  

Sean has respect for Merab, noting, that Dvalishvili “looked good” in his last fight (vs Umar), but also saying, that this time it will be a different story for both of them. Merab, a unique fighter with some pesky cardio, aims to use his striking a lot. Just like he did with Nurmagomedov. And, when the lightning strikes, Merab becomes unstoppable.

In their last and in fact, the only fight between them, Dvalishvili did not “finish” Sean and went the distance to claim a unanimous decision by the refs. Merab is now known as a hard puncher. Among his 12 wins at UFC, only one is classified as “finish”, while the the rest comes as decisions refs. And, man, he was much, much better that O’Malley in their last encounter.

Merab is effective on his takedowns. Merab can control you from start to finish. And, Merab never loses the stamina when needed. Now, he has to retool himself for another showdown with the upcoming challenger. Sean will be ready for the rumble. As will be Merab.

Dvalishvili never escapes from the UFC offers and will be ready, when time comes.

Sean is a good fighter, but “Machine” is on another level.