Tag: Merab Dvalishvili

Merab Dvalishvili’s Coach On Approach To Avoid Against Sean O’Malley: ‘That’s How We’re Gonna Get Knocked Out’

Merab Dvalishvili has won ten consecutive UFC fights to find himself as the number one contender in the bantamweight division. In many of his signature wins over the likes of Henry Cejudo, José Aldo and Petr Yan, it has been his relentless cardio and grappling game that usually sees him dominate opponents. Though the Georgian […]

Continue Reading Merab Dvalishvili’s Coach On Approach To Avoid Against Sean O’Malley: ‘That’s How We’re Gonna Get Knocked Out’ at MMA News.

Merab Dvalishvili has won ten consecutive UFC fights to find himself as the number one contender in the bantamweight division.

In many of his signature wins over the likes of Henry Cejudo, José Aldo and Petr Yan, it has been his relentless cardio and grappling game that usually sees him dominate opponents.

Though the Georgian fighter has shown a willingness to test his striking skills rather than constantly chaining together his takedown attempts, he has been hurt several times whilst standing with other contenders.

While it is important for Dvalishvili to not be too one dimensional in his upcoming title fight with Sean O’Malley at UFC 306, his coach is also very aware that this is where they have the best chance of winning this fight.

John Wood Says It’s Important For Merab Dvalishvili To Use His Grappling Skill Set At UFC 306

O’Malley and Dvalishvili are far too accomplished as overall mixed martial arts to refer to this fight as entirely a striker vs grappler match-up, but it’s clear that they do their best work in the respective ranges.

This is something that was stressed by John Wood in a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, where he spoke about Dvalishvili’s preparations.

He isn’t going to be training his fighter to neglect his striking skills but at the same time, he knows that if they aren’t looking to use their grappling whenever they can, they’re making it an easier night for the champion on September 14.

“I never want to overlook what got Merab to the dance, what brought Merab into this title fight and we have to try to keep those things in check and not lose ourselves. ‘Oh we have to go learn traditional boxing, we have to learn striking, we have to do these things to compete with O’Malley,’ because that’s how we’re going to get knocked out. Merab is a crazy man we just have to make him a technical crazy man.”

Read also: Coach On Sean O’Malley Not Defending Title Against Umar Nurmagomedov: “If ‘Suga’ Just Faceplants Merab & Drops A ‘Hendo’ Bomb…”

Continue Reading Merab Dvalishvili’s Coach On Approach To Avoid Against Sean O’Malley: ‘That’s How We’re Gonna Get Knocked Out’ at MMA News.

Henry Cejudo Predicts Merab Dvalishvili Will Stop Sean O’Malley, Plans Return to 125lbs

Henry Cejudo Sean O'Malley Merab DvalishviliFormer UFC double champion and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo has some strong beliefs about what will happen when…

Henry Cejudo Sean O'Malley Merab Dvalishvili

Former UFC double champion and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo has some strong beliefs about what will happen when bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley and his challenger Merab Dvalishvili throw down in the cage at UFC 306.

The former featherweight and bantamweight champion stepped away from his titles after a victory over bantamweight legend Dominick Cruz at UFC 249. At that point in time, Henry Cejudo had all the money that he desired but no time to play with it. When he retired, he mentioned his desire to relax, start a family, and give up the brutal fight game.

However, it was easier said than done, and Cejudo could never fully bring himself to walk away from it. He stayed vocal about MMA’s current events and even fighters’ performances. He wanted back into the mix, and three years later, he would have his chance against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288 for the bantamweight title.

Henry Cejudo Plans return to featherweight, doubts Sean O’Malley’s chances against Merab Dvalishvili

Cejudo would not return to MMA after his retirement and score a victory over an active and in-his-prime champion. In fact, Sterling defeated him. Cejudo would go on and lose another battle at UFC 298, this time to Sterling’s close friend and training partner, Merab Dvalishvili.

Now, Dvalishvili is finally getting a long-awaited title shot against Sean O’Malley, and Cejudo is confident that he can walk away as the victor.

“This is my prediction,” Henry Cejudo said during an interview with MMA Junkie reps (H/T BJ Penn.com). “Merab Dvalishvili is going to stop Sean O’Malley at the Sphere. He’s going to beat him. He’s going to either 50-45 him, maybe not 50-45 because he may lose the first two rounds or the first one at least. He’s going to beat him, but once Umar (Nurmagomedov) comes in, he’s just going to have his way with Merab. He really is. Umar is really good, really technical.”

Now hanging in a sort of MMA limbo, Henry Cejudo is an undesirable money fight for many guys. Defeating him doesn’t do much for your resume. Sure, he used to be the double champ, and he’s ‘Triple C’ and all, but that was a long time ago now. Currently, he’s just an aging fighter who fights across two divisions that are notoriously favorable to the younger opponent. A loss to him would be much more traumatic to a fighter’s career than the benefits of defeating him would be, as far as risk and reward is concerned.

“There could be a potential return at flyweight,” Henry Cejudo continued. “These are a lot of things I’m contemplating, potentially going back down. With the bantamweight division getting hot and with the newcomers coming in, there’s been a lot of thought of me going back down and getting a fight with Moreno and winning the belt once again. There’s a lot of cool stuff. These are kind of things I really want to think about and really decide once I get home and once, I’m injury-free. It’s just one little thing, but it’s a major thing. Because I’m going to be making a commitment to go out there and just do another run, do another run at these titles and dedicate myself like I was before.”

“I’m after gold now,” Henry Cejudo affirmed. “I think if I do go down to 125 pounds and stay disciplined, I don’t think there’s anyone that can beat me. Plus, I think there’s a fun fight with Brandon Moreno. He wanted to fight me at 135 and then he backed out like a little b*tch. Now, I think if I go down and I beat him in Mexico, in his own country, I think that could be a big-ass payday too.”

Do you also think that Henry Cejudo goes down to 125lbs just to get smashed by Brandon Moreno or Alexandre Pantoja?

Sean O’Malley’s Coach On Henry Cejudo: ‘Thinks He’s God’s Gift…’ 

Suffice to say, UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley and his team haven’t sought the aid of Henry Cejudo ahead of their upcoming showdown with Merab Dvalishvili… O’Malley is set to make his second defense of the title later this month inside the unique surroundings of the Sphere in Las Vegas, where he’ll headline the second […]

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley’s Coach On Henry Cejudo: ‘Thinks He’s God’s Gift…’  at MMA News.

Suffice to say, UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley and his team haven’t sought the aid of Henry Cejudo ahead of their upcoming showdown with Merab Dvalishvili…

O’Malley is set to make his second defense of the title later this month inside the unique surroundings of the Sphere in Las Vegas, where he’ll headline the second edition of Noche UFC six months on from his five-round beatdown of Marlon “Chito” Vera.

Next looking to unseat “Sugar” is Dvalishvili, an in-form Georgian who has won 10 straight to earn his long-awaited first opportunity at UFC gold.

“The Machine’s” path to the top has included memorable performances against the likes of Marlon Moraes and Petr Yan, but he perhaps saved his best for last when he squared off against a former simultaneous two-division champ at UFC 298 this past February. Dvalishvili collided with Cejudo on the main card in Anaheim, further stalling “Triple C’s” pursuit of regaining the belt with a comfortable victory on the scorecards.

While that left Cejudo with 15 minutes experience of what the Georgian contender brings to the Octagon, O’Malley’s team doesn’t believe he could offer them any advice of value in the lead-up to September 14.

O’Malley’s Coach Not Interested In Tips From Ex-Dvalishvili Opponent Cejudo

During a recent interview for Bodog Canada, coach Tim Welch looked ahead to his man’s second assignment of 2024, which is currently set to see O’Malley’s challenger make the walk as the favorite.

But while Welch and co. no doubt have plenty of ways in mind to combat Dvalishvili’s perceived edge in certain realms, picking the brain of an ex-bantamweight and flyweight titleholder, Fight Ready coach, and former opponent of the Georgian’s is not one of them.

“I don’t know if that (talking to Cejudo) would help,” Welch said. “Everyone I’ve talked to that tried to talk to Henry, even coaches, they have a tough time working with Henry because he thinks he’s god’s gift to this green Earth, and you can’t teach him nothing, and his way is the way. But clearly it’s not, because Merab ragdolled him. So that’s definitely not the guy we want tips from.”

O’Malley will look to do a better job at stifling Dvalishvili’s offense than Cejudo did come fight night at Las Vegas’ Sphere in less than two weeks’ time.

The pair’s bantamweight championship clash will top a lineup that also includes another title bout, with flyweight queen Alexa Grasso and all-time great Valentina Shevchenko set to complete their trilogy in the co-main event.

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley’s Coach On Henry Cejudo: ‘Thinks He’s God’s Gift…’  at MMA News.

Sean O’Malley’s Coach On Henry Cejudo: ‘Thinks He’s God’s Gift…’ 

Suffice to say, UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley and his team haven’t sought the aid of Henry Cejudo ahead of their upcoming showdown with Merab Dvalishvili… O’Malley is set to make his second defense of the title later this month inside the unique surroundings of the Sphere in Las Vegas, where he’ll headline the second […]

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley’s Coach On Henry Cejudo: ‘Thinks He’s God’s Gift…’  at MMA News.

Suffice to say, UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley and his team haven’t sought the aid of Henry Cejudo ahead of their upcoming showdown with Merab Dvalishvili…

O’Malley is set to make his second defense of the title later this month inside the unique surroundings of the Sphere in Las Vegas, where he’ll headline the second edition of Noche UFC six months on from his five-round beatdown of Marlon “Chito” Vera.

Next looking to unseat “Sugar” is Dvalishvili, an in-form Georgian who has won 10 straight to earn his long-awaited first opportunity at UFC gold.

“The Machine’s” path to the top has included memorable performances against the likes of Marlon Moraes and Petr Yan, but he perhaps saved his best for last when he squared off against a former simultaneous two-division champ at UFC 298 this past February. Dvalishvili collided with Cejudo on the main card in Anaheim, further stalling “Triple C’s” pursuit of regaining the belt with a comfortable victory on the scorecards.

While that left Cejudo with 15 minutes experience of what the Georgian contender brings to the Octagon, O’Malley’s team doesn’t believe he could offer them any advice of value in the lead-up to September 14.

O’Malley’s Coach Not Interested In Tips From Ex-Dvalishvili Opponent Cejudo

During a recent interview for Bodog Canada, coach Tim Welch looked ahead to his man’s second assignment of 2024, which is currently set to see O’Malley’s challenger make the walk as the favorite.

But while Welch and co. no doubt have plenty of ways in mind to combat Dvalishvili’s perceived edge in certain realms, picking the brain of an ex-bantamweight and flyweight titleholder, Fight Ready coach, and former opponent of the Georgian’s is not one of them.

“I don’t know if that (talking to Cejudo) would help,” Welch said. “Everyone I’ve talked to that tried to talk to Henry, even coaches, they have a tough time working with Henry because he thinks he’s god’s gift to this green Earth, and you can’t teach him nothing, and his way is the way. But clearly it’s not, because Merab ragdolled him. So that’s definitely not the guy we want tips from.”

O’Malley will look to do a better job at stifling Dvalishvili’s offense than Cejudo did come fight night at Las Vegas’ Sphere in less than two weeks’ time.

The pair’s bantamweight championship clash will top a lineup that also includes another title bout, with flyweight queen Alexa Grasso and all-time great Valentina Shevchenko set to complete their trilogy in the co-main event.

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley’s Coach On Henry Cejudo: ‘Thinks He’s God’s Gift…’  at MMA News.

Sean O’Malley’s coach warns Merab Dvalishvili of major flaw: ‘Too close to the fight now to fix’

Sean O'Malley’s coach warns Merab Dvalishvili of major flaw: ‘Too close to the fight now to fix'Sean O’Malley’s head coach, Tim Welch claims he has spotted a significant foil in the gameplan and ability of…

Sean O'Malley’s coach warns Merab Dvalishvili of major flaw: ‘Too close to the fight now to fix'

Sean O’Malley’s head coach, Tim Welch claims he has spotted a significant foil in the gameplan and ability of incoming title challenger, Merab Dvalishvili ahead of Noche UFC next month — claiming it’s likely too late in the day for the Georgian to address now.

O’Malley, the current undisputed bantamweight champion, is slated to return to headline Noche UFC next month — taking on Merab Dvalishvili as part of a title doubleheader at the Las Vegas Sphere — attempting to defend his championship for the second time this year.

sean omalley merab dvalishvili

Most recently featuring back in March at UFC 299, Montana striker, O’Malley most recently landed a one-sided unanimous decision win over Marlon Vera, avenging his sole professional loss in mixed martial arts competition.

As for Merab Dvalishvili, the Tbilisi grappler turned in a one-sided decision win of his own back in February at UFC 298, dispatching former two-division titleholder, Henry Cejudo over the course of three rounds in the pair’s title eliminator in Anaheim.

Merab Dvalishvili Will Not Be Pulling Out From UFC 306 Due to Cut: "You guys are WEAK"

Tim Welch breaks down the flaws of Merab Dvalishvili

And engaging in a high-profile spat with O’Malley’s head coach, Welch ahead of Noche UFC, Merab Dvalishvili has been warned of a potential flaw in his ability by the outspoken trainer — which will be too late to address.

Merab Dvalishvili calls out Sean O’Malley’s coach Tim Welch: 'He's a snake person'

“(Merab Dvalishli) loses balance a little bit on the punches,” Tim Welch said on his YouTube channel. “Falls forward and that’s something that definitely could get him in trouble here and it’s too close to the fight now to fix. Really lunging in here, throwing the overhand right, bringing his foot back with him which is another thing that could get you in trouble. You saw it with Aljo (Aljamain Sterling).”

“I’m thankful that I’m not having to be a trainer, training someone against ‘Sugar’ (Sean O’Malley) because it would just be so hard to find sparring partners that can do anything remotely close to him,” Welch explained. “And then you find sparring partners that try to mimic him. They do their best at mimicking him.”

“Merab doesn’t even like, control his breath,” Welch continued. “He doesn’t even think about controlling his breath. He just, he’ll just breathe in, he’ll be mout breathing the whole time and he’ll be able to keep up the pace. That’s one thing that’s scary about him. He’ll be able to just keep up the pace the whole time. Just at that, frantic breathing, frantic pace, that’s one of the things that make him really dangerous.”

Sean O’Malley’s coach warns Merab Dvalishvili of major flaw: ‘Too close to the fight now to fix’

Sean O'Malley’s coach warns Merab Dvalishvili of major flaw: ‘Too close to the fight now to fix'Sean O’Malley’s head coach, Tim Welch claims he has spotted a significant foil in the gameplan and ability of…

Sean O'Malley’s coach warns Merab Dvalishvili of major flaw: ‘Too close to the fight now to fix'

Sean O’Malley’s head coach, Tim Welch claims he has spotted a significant foil in the gameplan and ability of incoming title challenger, Merab Dvalishvili ahead of Noche UFC next month — claiming it’s likely too late in the day for the Georgian to address now.

O’Malley, the current undisputed bantamweight champion, is slated to return to headline Noche UFC next month — taking on Merab Dvalishvili as part of a title doubleheader at the Las Vegas Sphere — attempting to defend his championship for the second time this year.

sean omalley merab dvalishvili

Most recently featuring back in March at UFC 299, Montana striker, O’Malley most recently landed a one-sided unanimous decision win over Marlon Vera, avenging his sole professional loss in mixed martial arts competition.

As for Merab Dvalishvili, the Tbilisi grappler turned in a one-sided decision win of his own back in February at UFC 298, dispatching former two-division titleholder, Henry Cejudo over the course of three rounds in the pair’s title eliminator in Anaheim.

Merab Dvalishvili Will Not Be Pulling Out From UFC 306 Due to Cut: "You guys are WEAK"

Tim Welch breaks down the flaws of Merab Dvalishvili

And engaging in a high-profile spat with O’Malley’s head coach, Welch ahead of Noche UFC, Merab Dvalishvili has been warned of a potential flaw in his ability by the outspoken trainer — which will be too late to address.

Merab Dvalishvili calls out Sean O’Malley’s coach Tim Welch: 'He's a snake person'

“(Merab Dvalishli) loses balance a little bit on the punches,” Tim Welch said on his YouTube channel. “Falls forward and that’s something that definitely could get him in trouble here and it’s too close to the fight now to fix. Really lunging in here, throwing the overhand right, bringing his foot back with him which is another thing that could get you in trouble. You saw it with Aljo (Aljamain Sterling).”

“I’m thankful that I’m not having to be a trainer, training someone against ‘Sugar’ (Sean O’Malley) because it would just be so hard to find sparring partners that can do anything remotely close to him,” Welch explained. “And then you find sparring partners that try to mimic him. They do their best at mimicking him.”

“Merab doesn’t even like, control his breath,” Welch continued. “He doesn’t even think about controlling his breath. He just, he’ll just breathe in, he’ll be mout breathing the whole time and he’ll be able to keep up the pace. That’s one thing that’s scary about him. He’ll be able to just keep up the pace the whole time. Just at that, frantic breathing, frantic pace, that’s one of the things that make him really dangerous.”