Tag: Merab Dvalishvili

“Big” John McCarthy Responds After Sean O’Malley’s Coach Pleads ‘Excessive Coaching’ Case At UFC 306

“Big” John McCarthy recently addressed Sean O’Malley’s coach after Tim Welch sought clarification on the controversial excessive coaching incident at UFC 306. Dvalishvili secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over “Suga” to capture the bantamweight title at UFC 306 earlier this month. While the outcome was unquestionably clear at the end of the day, the […]

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“Big” John McCarthy recently addressed Sean O’Malley’s coach after Tim Welch sought clarification on the controversial excessive coaching incident at UFC 306.

Dvalishvili secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over “Suga” to capture the bantamweight title at UFC 306 earlier this month. While the outcome was unquestionably clear at the end of the day, the fight took an unusual turn just moments after it began.

“The Machine” suddenly paused mid-action, gesturing furiously toward his opponent’s corner, prompting referee Herb Dean to step in. Dean reprimanded Dvalishvili for interrupting the match and also gave Welch a warning for overstepping his coaching boundaries, citing the ‘excessive coaching’ rule.

In the days following the fight, Welch broke his silence on the controversial incident, admitting he did shout at Dvalishvili but claimed he only told him to “be patient.” He also acknowledged that some of his instructions for O’Malley included “The Machine’s” name, brushing it off as merely a case of normal coaching and insisting it had no impact on the outcome of the bout.

However, veteran referee McCarthy believes Welch’s actions crossed a line and constituted clear misconduct…

McCarthy Cautions Welch On Interference with Opponents During Fights

During a recent appearance on the WEIGHING IN podcast, Welch posed a question to McCarthy, asking how he would have handled the situation if a similar incident to UFC 306’s main event unfolded under his watch.

The renowned MMA referee responded candidly, stating that he would have swiftly issued Welch a stern warning. Furthermore, McCarthy made it clear that if the behavior persisted, he wouldn’t hesitate to eject Welch from the arena in accordance with official refereeing guidelines.

“I’m being honest, I would have talked to you in the beginning,” McCarthy said. “I would have said, ‘Hey, look, I need you to understand I cannot have you talking to the opponent in any fashion. So when you say ‘Merab, you’ve got to look out,’ even if it’s a call sign for you guys, you’re making it sound like you’re talking to the opponent. So right away, I would have said, ‘Hey, I’m telling you now, stop. We talked about this. If you do it again, I’m going to remove you from this arena,’ which I don’t want to do.”

“Obviously, that would affect your fighter and everything, so it’s the last thing you want to do. But yeah, it’s right in the rules that you can talk to Sean all you want, and we want you to be able to coach and talk to him and give him good, you know, feedback, but we cannot have you in any fashion talking to the opponent or talking to the referee during the round.”

Welch also faced significant backlash when footage surfaced from UFC 292 in August 2023, where he allegedly attempted to mislead Aljamain Sterling, trying to lure him into a reckless charge toward O’Malley.

Continue Reading “Big” John McCarthy Responds After Sean O’Malley’s Coach Pleads ‘Excessive Coaching’ Case At UFC 306 at MMA News.

“Big” John McCarthy Responds After Sean O’Malley’s Coach Pleads ‘Excessive Coaching’ Case At UFC 306

“Big” John McCarthy recently addressed Sean O’Malley’s coach after Tim Welch sought clarification on the controversial excessive coaching incident at UFC 306. Dvalishvili secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over “Suga” to capture the bantamweight title at UFC 306 earlier this month. While the outcome was unquestionably clear at the end of the day, the […]

Continue Reading “Big” John McCarthy Responds After Sean O’Malley’s Coach Pleads ‘Excessive Coaching’ Case At UFC 306 at MMA News.

“Big” John McCarthy recently addressed Sean O’Malley’s coach after Tim Welch sought clarification on the controversial excessive coaching incident at UFC 306.

Dvalishvili secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over “Suga” to capture the bantamweight title at UFC 306 earlier this month. While the outcome was unquestionably clear at the end of the day, the fight took an unusual turn just moments after it began.

“The Machine” suddenly paused mid-action, gesturing furiously toward his opponent’s corner, prompting referee Herb Dean to step in. Dean reprimanded Dvalishvili for interrupting the match and also gave Welch a warning for overstepping his coaching boundaries, citing the ‘excessive coaching’ rule.

In the days following the fight, Welch broke his silence on the controversial incident, admitting he did shout at Dvalishvili but claimed he only told him to “be patient.” He also acknowledged that some of his instructions for O’Malley included “The Machine’s” name, brushing it off as merely a case of normal coaching and insisting it had no impact on the outcome of the bout.

However, veteran referee McCarthy believes Welch’s actions crossed a line and constituted clear misconduct…

McCarthy Cautions Welch On Interference with Opponents During Fights

During a recent appearance on the WEIGHING IN podcast, Welch posed a question to McCarthy, asking how he would have handled the situation if a similar incident to UFC 306’s main event unfolded under his watch.

The renowned MMA referee responded candidly, stating that he would have swiftly issued Welch a stern warning. Furthermore, McCarthy made it clear that if the behavior persisted, he wouldn’t hesitate to eject Welch from the arena in accordance with official refereeing guidelines.

“I’m being honest, I would have talked to you in the beginning,” McCarthy said. “I would have said, ‘Hey, look, I need you to understand I cannot have you talking to the opponent in any fashion. So when you say ‘Merab, you’ve got to look out,’ even if it’s a call sign for you guys, you’re making it sound like you’re talking to the opponent. So right away, I would have said, ‘Hey, I’m telling you now, stop. We talked about this. If you do it again, I’m going to remove you from this arena,’ which I don’t want to do.”

“Obviously, that would affect your fighter and everything, so it’s the last thing you want to do. But yeah, it’s right in the rules that you can talk to Sean all you want, and we want you to be able to coach and talk to him and give him good, you know, feedback, but we cannot have you in any fashion talking to the opponent or talking to the referee during the round.”

Welch also faced significant backlash when footage surfaced from UFC 292 in August 2023, where he allegedly attempted to mislead Aljamain Sterling, trying to lure him into a reckless charge toward O’Malley.

Continue Reading “Big” John McCarthy Responds After Sean O’Malley’s Coach Pleads ‘Excessive Coaching’ Case At UFC 306 at MMA News.

‘You Want Anyone But Umar. Paper Champ’ – MMA Fans React To Merab Dvalishvili Offering Sean O’Malley Title Rematch

Merab Dvalishvili recently found himself under fire from MMA fans after extending an offer to Sean O’Malley for a title rematch. “The Machine” seized the UFC bantamweight title by dethroning O’Malley in the main event of Noche UFC 306 earlier this month, where he thoroughly outmatched “Suga” with his masterful grappling prowess and six takedowns […]

Continue Reading ‘You Want Anyone But Umar. Paper Champ’ – MMA Fans React To Merab Dvalishvili Offering Sean O’Malley Title Rematch at MMA News.

Merab Dvalishvili recently found himself under fire from MMA fans after extending an offer to Sean O’Malley for a title rematch.

“The Machine” seized the UFC bantamweight title by dethroning O’Malley in the main event of Noche UFC 306 earlier this month, where he thoroughly outmatched “Suga” with his masterful grappling prowess and six takedowns throughout the bout.

Despite the outcome, O’Malley has since contested the judges’ scorecards, taking to X to argue that he actually won the fight. The former champ also disclosed that he needs surgery to address a hip injury but assured fans he’ll be back in action by next summer.

For Dvalishvili, the debate surrounding his first title defense has intensified, with many pointing to the likely #1 contender, Umar Nurmagomedov, as the rightful challenger. However, the Georgian champion has shown little enthusiasm for facing the undefeated Dagestani in his next bout.

Dvalishvili Slammed By MMA Community Over O’Malley Rematch Offer

“The Machine” recently took to X to respond to O’Malley’s repeated claims that he never truly lost their bout. Dvalishvili proposed that they settle the score once and for all by running it back at UFC 309, set for November 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. He went on to say that after silencing O’Malley’s doubts, he’s ready to take on whoever the UFC throws his way next.

“I hear O’Malley thinks he won the fight and is looking for a rematch,” Dvalishvili tweeted. “If he wants it, he can have it. Let’s do it on November 16th at the Garden, and then I’ll still defend the title against whoever the UFC wants me to fight next. What do you think? @SugaSeanMMA”

Dvalishvili’s proposal sparked an array of reactions across the MMA community, with many speculating that the newly crowned champion might be attempting to dodge a showdown with Nurmagomedov. Even O’Malley and Nurmagomedov added their voices to the chorus of disapproval.

O’Malley fired back, revealing he’s scheduled for hip surgery on October 3, and urged Dvalishvili to take on Nurmagomedov in the meantime.

“Getting surgery Oct 3rd. I fought you with one hip and still beat you. Round 1,3,5. I’m the champ. Fight Umnar.”

Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov doubled down on his accusations, claiming that Dvalishvili is avoiding a potential clash with him.

“He’s ready to fight with anyone except Umar Nurmagomedov.”

One fan chimed in, backing the Dagestani’s claim.

“You want anyone but Umar. Paper champ.”

Amidst the flood of negative comments, one fan stood out, applauding “The Machine” for embracing the role of an active champion.

“Honestly, you might be the craziest champion we’ve had, but at least you’re going to be active, so you’re fine by me.”

Another fan dismissed Dvalishvili’s proposal, branding it an unfounded offer.

“You know he’s getting surgery… Baseless offer.”

One fan jokingly declared that he’d like to be the next to challenge the Georgian champion.

“If I asked real nice, could I fight you for the belt Merab?”

“Umnar is not that scary, bro.”

“No. Stop ducking Umar. F**king lame.”

“The way you’ve been trying to duck Umar is crazzy.”

“No one wants to watch that again, Merab…least of all your boss, Dana”

Continue Reading ‘You Want Anyone But Umar. Paper Champ’ – MMA Fans React To Merab Dvalishvili Offering Sean O’Malley Title Rematch at MMA News.

Sean O’Malley’s Loss to Merab Dvalishvili Comes with a ‘Silver Lining’

Sean O'Malley's Loss to Merab Dvalishvili Comes with a 'Silver Lining'Jon Anik sees a silver lining in Sean O’Malley’s loss to Merab Dvalishvili. Returning to the Octagon at UFC…

Sean O'Malley's Loss to Merab Dvalishvili Comes with a 'Silver Lining'

Jon Anik sees a silver lining in Sean O’Malley’s loss to Merab Dvalishvili.

Returning to the Octagon at UFC 306 for his second title defense of 2024, ‘Sugar’ delivered a lackluster showing that saw his explosive offense stifled by the grapple-heavyweight attack of Dvalishvili through five rounds. In the end, ‘The Machine’ saw his hand raised, taking the bantamweight title back home to Georgia via a dominant unanimous decision.

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In the aftermath, O’Malley revealed that he suffered a torn labrum 10 weeks out from fight night, though he never disclosed the injury to the promotion. Scheduled to undergo surgery in early October, O’Malley is expected to be out of action for 6-8 months at a minimum.

Speaking with MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, the UFC’s chief play-by-play man offered his interesting take on O’Malley’s loss, suggesting that it could be for the best on the promotion’s side of things.

“I think the good news if you’re looking for a silver lining for the UFC is that had Sean won this fight, maybe this hip injury would have had to be repaired anyway, right?” Anik said. “And then you wonder if you need an interim champion. So I think right now, your new champion is pretty durable and willing to take on all challengers.

And a murderers’ row, of course, awaits Sean O’Malley with the Cory Sandhagens of all the world and everybody else. There are a lot of dream-type matchups at ’35 for fight fans, right? Even Sean O’Malley and Dominick Cruz makes some semblance of sense right now. So there’s a lot of different fights at ’35 that make a lot of sense” (h/t MMA News).

Merab vs. Umar Up next as Sean O’Malley takes time to heal up

Though it’ll be a while until we see O’Malley back inside the Octagon, Merab Dvalishvili is already staring down the barrel of his first title defense.

All signs currently point toward ‘The Machine’ putting his newly-won bantamweight belt on the line against No. 2 ranked contender Umar Nurmagomedov not long after our calendars flip over to 2025 — assuming the Dagestani is willing to wait that long.

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Merab Dvalishvili Told He Must Fix ‘Abysmal’ Stat To Gain Fan Support As UFC Champion

According to one prominent figure in MMA, it would be disastrous for UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili’s career if he doesn’t start recording finishes. Dvalishvili currently sits on the throne at 135 pounds following his biggest win to date earlier this month. In the headlining act of the UFC 306 (Noche UFC) pay-per-view at the […]

Continue Reading Merab Dvalishvili Told He Must Fix ‘Abysmal’ Stat To Gain Fan Support As UFC Champion at MMA News.

According to one prominent figure in MMA, it would be disastrous for UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili’s career if he doesn’t start recording finishes.

Dvalishvili currently sits on the throne at 135 pounds following his biggest win to date earlier this month. In the headlining act of the UFC 306 (Noche UFC) pay-per-view at the Sphere, the Georgian unseated Sean O’Malley.

While predictions had varied in the lead-up, Dvalishvili enjoyed dominance throughout the five-round main event in Las Vegas, capturing the crown by way of unanimous decision.

The result marked “The Machine’s” 11th straight victory under the UFC banner. But the ongoing run has seen Dvalishvili record just one finish — a comeback knockout of Marlon Moraes in 2021.

Aside from that firefight, the champ used his renowned cardio, pace, and grappling prowess to outlast opponents. But while that got him to the title dance, one notable coach doesn’t think it can continue now that he’s holding gold…

Coach Zahabi Sees Major Issue With UFC Champ Dvalishvili’s Style

During a video recently uploaded to the Tristar Gym YouTube channel, coach Firas Zahabi reflected on Dvalishvili’s title win inside the Sphere and assessed the style that has seen him reach the top.

Although “The Machine’s” approach has proved mightily affective when it comes to having his hand raised inside the Octagon, the Canadian trainer doesn’t think it’s sustainable and will soon lead to significant fan backlash.

“On the ground, guys, I’ll tell you something, Merab never finishes,” Zahabi said. “Look, I love Merab…I love his personality. I love the craziness, I love the fact that in the beginning of round one, Merab is yelling at O’Malley’s corner. … He’s a very charming, lovable character. … The only one thing you can predict about Merab is that he’s going to shoot that takedown. His cardio is unmatchable. … The good thing about Merab, his cardio is amazing. His personality is amazing. The bad thing about Merab, he doesn’t finish — he doesn’t even get close to a finish.

“His finishing record is abysmal, I’ve got to be honest,” Zahabi continued. “I’m telling you guys, I love the guy, he’s a world champion. I think he’s awesome. However, his finishing rate — imagine you can take down almost everybody you’ve ever fought, and you literally only have one submission. That doesn’t make any sense. … He needs to have in-depth, super-deep courses on how to finish — submission, ground-and-pound — he has to change his style. … If he doesn’t do it, the fans will get sick of him. … They’ll get sick of him running around the ring and just taking people down. They’re going to get sick of that. He has to entertain the crowd. … If he doesn’t, it could be disastrous to his career.”

Those remarks likely won’t bother Dvalishvili for now, as he’s continuing his celebrations after achieving his championship ambitions in the sport’s leading promotion.

But as his reign gets underway, perhaps the Georgian will look to show an increased killer instinct and dispatch challengers inside the distance.

Continue Reading Merab Dvalishvili Told He Must Fix ‘Abysmal’ Stat To Gain Fan Support As UFC Champion at MMA News.

T.J. Dillashaw Shocked by How ‘Weak’ Sean O’Malley Looked Against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306: ‘I Didn’t Expect It’

T.J. Dillashaw Shocked by How 'Weak' Sean O'Malley Looked Against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306: 'I Didn't Expect It'T.J. Dillashaw was impressed with Merab Dvalishvili’s performance at UFC 306. ‘The Machine’ cashed in on his first shot…

T.J. Dillashaw Shocked by How 'Weak' Sean O'Malley Looked Against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306: 'I Didn't Expect It'

T.J. Dillashaw was impressed with Merab Dvalishvili’s performance at UFC 306.

‘The Machine’ cashed in on his first shot at UFC gold, delivering a dominant five-round performance against ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley to claim the bantamweight division’s top prize.

Merab Dvalishvili

Going into the bout, the odds were fairly close with O’Malley being slightly favored to come out on top. Instead, Dvalishvili shut down the ex-champ’s offense with a barrage of smothering takedown attempts and control time. Most educated fight fans knew that Dvalishvili’s contrasting style could win the day against O’Malley, but not many expected him to be as dominant as he was.

Merab Dvalishvili

That includes Dillashaw who was surprised by how easy Dvalishvili made it all look.

“It’s not that I didn’t expect it,” Dillashaw said on the JAXXON Podcast. “I knew that it was very close on the betting odds and when I had to go and pick this fight, I knew that Merab had a chance to just pressure the f*ck out of him. The guy is the Tasmanian Devil. He never stops and continues to shoot shots.

“I knew it was a possibility, but I thought – especially after watching how O’Malley has composed himself and how well he’s done on his feet using his feints, distance, and angles – I thought he’d be able to keep that distance and control, be hard to take down and spark him. That’s what I thought could happen, as well.

“I didn’t think it was going to be this easy for Merab. Merab made him look weak – very weak” (h/t BJPenn.com).

Merab Dvalishvili Eyes title fight with Umar Nurmagomedov… maybe

What comes next for Merab Dvalishvili remains to be seen, but all signs point toward ‘The Machine’ defending his title against No. 2 ranked contender Umar Nurmagomedov — assuming the Dagestani star doesn’t grow impatient and move onto another opponent in the interim.

Truth be told, Dvalishvili isn’t even all that interested in facing Nurmagomedov considering his lack of top 15 wins, though that’s not entirely Nurmagomedov’s fault. The undefeated fighter has struggled for years to lock in opponents, but a dominant decision victory over Cory Sandhagen appears to have been enough to score him his first title shot.

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