Sean O’Malley’s latest victory at UFC 299 not only marked his first successful defense of the bantamweight title but also stirred up some backstage drama with potential future opponent Merab Dvalishvili.
Despite initial skepticism from fans and fellow fighters about Marlon Vera’s title shot, O’Malley put on a stellar performance, dominating the Ecuadorian fighter for the full 25 minutes to secure a unanimous decision win.
Sean O’Malley Discloses Backstage Interaction With Merab Dvalishvili
Post-fight, O’Malley revealed an encounter with Dvalishvili backstage, hinting at the simmering rivalry between the two. Dvalishvili, currently on an impressive 10-fight win streak, has been eyeing a shot at the title and made his presence known at UFC 299 as a backup for the main event.
Their rivalry dates back to a previous altercation at UFC 288 when Dvalishvili donned O’Malley’s jacket in the Octagon after Aljamain Sterling’s victory, sparking tension between the two fighters.
Reflecting on his backstage interaction with Dvalishvili, O’Malley shared the exchange during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show:
The Next Bantamweight Title Fight
“I had a couple of runnings, Merab came up to me and congratulated me, I said thank you, I thought it was a fan I didn’t even recognize him and then he said ‘You’ve got to say my name’ and I was like ‘oh s*** that’s Merab’, I didn’t realize I just thought it was someone saying good job.”
In the aftermath of his win, O’Malley expressed interest in facing featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, even suggesting a bout in Spain for Topuria’s belt. However, he remains open to a potential matchup with Dvalishvili, proposing a venue at The Sphere in Vegas.
While acknowledging Dvalishvili’s formidable skills, O’Malley didn’t hold back in his assessment:
“The dude’s nose is so crooked but very well, Merab 100% could be next if Merab’s next I would love to do it in the Sphere in Vegas, if Ilia’s next I would love to do it in Spain, I’m not ducking either of them.
“I’ve called out Ilia because he’s scarier than Merab. Merab’s a very very dangerous opponent he’s got a crazy gas tank, name his last three fights, you couldn’t. He’s boring, he’s not a superstar but he has a 10-fight win streak so there is something to it.
“He’s so boring he takes people down so there is something there and people want to see me lose because I’m the f****** man.”
With tensions rising and potential matchups on the horizon, the bantamweight division promises thrilling action for fans as O’Malley navigates his title reign.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
