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Report: UFC Expected To Choose O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili For Sphere Main Event Over Topuria vs. Holloway

Should current plans come to fruition, the bantamweight gold will be on the line at the Sphere-held Noche UFC event this fall. The promotion will stage its sophomore celebration of Mexican Independance Day on September 14. While Las Vegas is once again the host destination, the Octagon will be in much different surroundings this time […]

Continue Reading Report: UFC Expected To Choose O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili For Sphere Main Event Over Topuria vs. Holloway at MMA News.

Should current plans come to fruition, the bantamweight gold will be on the line at the Sphere-held Noche UFC event this fall.

The promotion will stage its sophomore celebration of Mexican Independance Day on September 14. While Las Vegas is once again the host destination, the Octagon will be in much different surroundings this time around.

Instead of the T-Mobile Arena for the second straight year, the 2024 edition of Noche UFC is set to go down inside the unique Sphere venue. In the lead-up, UFC CEO Dana White has promised a spectacle like nothing seen before.

That hype initially left many predicting a stacked lineup to mark the occasion, but it seems those wishing for two blockbuster championship fights at the top of the lineup won’t be getting their wish granted…

Helwani Dismisses Talk Of Both O’Malley & Topuria Defending Titles At The Sphere

While Alexa Grasso’s second defense of the flyweight title has long been expected high up the card, there’s been considerable uncertainty when it comes to the other major matchups.

Most notably, champions Sean O’Malley and Ilia Topuria have gone back and forth with their respective expected next challengers, Merab Dvalishvili and Max Holloway, over potential Sphere battles.

Talk of both bouts taking place on September 14 picked up following comments on the official French-Canadian broadcast of this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night in Denver.

Unfortunately, it appears that one of those pairings won’t feature at the Sphere.

During a recent episode of his show, The MMA Hour, host Helwani provided an update on the UFC’s fall plans and addressed the rumors floating around regarding the Sphere-held pay-per-view.

“The plan was always the Grasso title defense…and then the plan has for some time been ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley vs. Merab,” Helwani said. “Now, both fights aren’t official just yet. They haven’t been signed. But that has been the plan.

“If they did go with that fight, then the other plan would be Ilia vs. Max most likely on the October 5 Utah card (UFC 307), which hasn’t been officially announced yet. Also on that card, we suspect, Julianna Peña vs. Raquel Pennington,” Helwani continued. “Can’t imagine they would put a Spaniard on a Noche UFC card.”

This week also saw White provide additional details on the event, revealing that the plan is for just 10 fights to take place during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

He also claimed the cost has already exceeded $17 million, supporting Helwani’s mention of finances as the reason why neither the possibility of Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler nor a three title fight card were entertained.

Read More: Dan Ige Makes Fresh Plea For Diego Lopes Rematch With ‘Equal Opportunity To Prepare’ At Sphere-Held UFC 306

Continue Reading Report: UFC Expected To Choose O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili For Sphere Main Event Over Topuria vs. Holloway at MMA News.

Report – Noche UFC card leaked during broadcast, Topuria – Holloway, O’Malley – Dvalishvili title fights confirmed

Noche UFC card leaked with Topuria vs. Holloway and O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili title fights set Ahead of September’s Noche UFC card at the Las Vegas Sphere, fans appear to have had two significant fights…

Ahead of September’s Noche UFC card at the Las Vegas Sphere, fans appear to have had two significant fights on the card leaked overnight during the promotion’s broadcast for their return to Denver, Colorado.

Slated to take over the Las Vegas Sphere in September for a Riyadh Season sponsored, Noche UFC card, promotional CEO, Dana White has claimed the event which comes as the organization’s second iteration of the card, would once again tribute to combat sports culture in Mexico.

Noche UFC sees Topuria vs. Holloway, O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili leaked

And while the likes of undisputed flyweight champion, Alexa Grasso and former champion, Valentina Shevchenko – who serve as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 32 have been linked with another showdown in ‘Sin City’, last night’s French-Canadian broadcast for UFC Denver confirmed two title fights for the event.

In an apparent leaking of information, the broadcast revealed undisputed featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria would feature against former champion, Max Holloway in a title grudge fight at Noche UFC – before also revealing bantamweight kingpin, Sean O’Malley – fresh from his ESPY victory, would be taking on Merab Dvalishvili.

So the UFC's French-Canadian broadcast may have just leaked the Sphere card…

Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway
Sean O'Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili

(H/T @MMA__Matchmaker) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/8wWDAWo8F0

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 14, 2024

Sharing a distinct rivalry since their respective title fight victories this annum, Topuria and Holloway will lock horns at Noche UFC according to the promotion’s broadcast, at least – with the two battling it out on social media over the course of this month in a bid to land a date for their featherweight title affair.

As for O’Malley, the Montana native is expected to face the sternest challenge to his undisputed bantamweight crown to date following his April win over Marlon Vera – preparing to take on streaking Georgian ace, Dvalishvili.

The addition of that championship fight doubleheader would also put the brakes on a linked comeback for Conor McGregor on the same card in a welterweight reworked fight with Michael Chandler – who overnight then confirmed he would most definitely fight the MIssouri veteran before the close of 2024.

What are your thoughts on the apparent leaking of the Noche UFC card?

Sean O’Malley’s Coach Theorizes Conor McGregor Uncertainty Is Delaying Confirmation Of Merab Dvalishvili Title Fight At The Sphere

A fight between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili for the UFC bantamweight championship is all but confirmed. The fighters have been targeting each other online for months and have repeatedly suggested that they might main event the Riyadh Season Noche UFC event. O’Malley last defended his title in March against Marlon “Chito” Vera in dominant […]

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley’s Coach Theorizes Conor McGregor Uncertainty Is Delaying Confirmation Of Merab Dvalishvili Title Fight At The Sphere at MMA News.

O’Malley last defended his title in March against Marlon “Chito” Vera in dominant fashion. Dvalishvili on the other hand, secured his title shot by beating Henry Cejudo in February for his tenth consecutive win in the UFC.

With both fighters and fans worldwide awaiting an official announcement regarding their matchup, O’Malley’s coach has speculated the reason behind the delay from the UFC.

Sean O’Malley’s Coach Blames McGregor vs. Chandler For Delay In Dvalishvili Fight Confirmation

During a recent episode of the TimboSugarShow on O’Malley’s official YouTube channel, he and Tim Welch discussed whether the UFC has an interest in adding McGregor vs. Chandler to the UFC 306 card at the Sphere. If true, this can naturally lead to other major fights being shifted to different events.

“Sugar” highlighted that Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway is also rumored to be an option for the September 14 card. Yet again, the return of the Irishman can impact when and where this fight happens.

“The Sphere, and Dana keeps saying it’s going to be something f*****g crazy, and then you got Conor-Chandler maybe going around, you got Max-Ilia, you got me and Merab. You got f*****g some pretty big fights to possibly make, but honest to god, I have not heard from the UFC,” O’Malley said.

The champ’s coach agreed that the UFC could be eager to organize McGregor vs. Chandler at UFC 306. Because the Dubliner’s commitment has been called into question lately, Welch thinks that the UFC hasn’t been able to confirm the other fights on the card.

“It’s probably a tough thing for the UFC. It’s like, they want to let you know. If they knew, I’m sure they’d let you know right away. But when you’re dealing with someone like Conor McGregor, who’s just, one day he probably wants it, one day he doesn’t, one day he’s just booger sugared up, one day he’s this. They’re probably waiting on that.”

During his iconic run to becoming a double UFC champion, McGregor was known for fighting consistently and not pulling out despite injuries. However, his returns to the Octagon since fighting Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the ring have been the exact opposite.

With nine weeks remaining before the Riyadh Season Noche UFC event, both O’Malley and his coach expect the official announcement for the Merab Dvalishvili fight to arrive as soon as possible should the promotion decide the bantamweight gold will be on the line at the Sphere.

Read More: Daniel Cormier: Tom Aspinall Can Create ‘Fan Uprising’ Against Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic At UFC 304

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley’s Coach Theorizes Conor McGregor Uncertainty Is Delaying Confirmation Of Merab Dvalishvili Title Fight At The Sphere at MMA News.

Video – UFC star Merab Dvalishvili Wins gold medal in U.S. national Combat Sambo tournament

UFC bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili won a gold medal at a U.S. National Combat Sambo tournament. Dvalishvili took to…

UFC bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili won a gold medal at a U.S. National Combat Sambo tournament.

Dvalishvili took to social media to reveal he participated in a Sambo tournament in Texas. The bantamweight contender says he was hungry to compete as he is awaiting his next fight. With Dvalishvili not having a fight booked, he decided to enter a Sambo tournament in Texas, and he revealed he won it.

“Hungry for competition! Took a short notice opportunity and competed in Texas. Took home GOLD for the U.S. National Combat Sambo Tournament,” Dvalishvili wrote on X.

Merab Dvalishvili set to serve as backup to UFC 299 title fight main event already cutting weight — Mandatory Credit: Media News Group – Los Angles Daily News

Even though Dvalishvili is not a Sambo specialist, he still was good enough to win the entire tournament, which he entered on short notice, which is pretty incredible.

Merab Dvalishvili to fight Sean O’Malley for the title next

Merab Dvalishvili is coming off a decision win over Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 in February to cement himself as the No. 1 contender at bantamweight.

Dvalishvili is expected to fight Sean O’Malley for the title next time out, as ‘Suga’ has confirmed his next opponent will be the Georgian.

“Merab is f*cking next. His wish is granted,” O’Malley said on his “TimboSugarShow” podcast. “A lot of people said I’m ducking him. I just really am not ducking that little dude. I like the fight for me. There’s multiple ways to win. I’m excited about the fight now finally.

“I was never ducking him. I was just never excited to fight him. Now, is it the right time? Just like the ‘Chito’ rematch. Like, the time will come to where it’s the right time to fight certain people. Merab’s next, and careful what you wish for, buddy. Careful what you wish for,” O’Malley added.

Merab Dvalishvili is 17-4 as a pro and is riding a 10-fight winning streak with notable wins over Cejudo, Petr Yan, Jose Aldo, and Marlon Moraes among others.

Sean O’Malley reveals timeline for title fight with Merab Dvalishvili: ‘I’m hoping for The Sphere still’

UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has revealed some potential dates for his upcoming title defense against Meran Dvalishvili. After…

UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has revealed some potential dates for his upcoming title defense against Meran Dvalishvili.

After O’Malley defeated Marlon Vera to defend his title for the first time at UFC 299, he said Dvalishvili would be next. However, currently, no date for the title fight has been set. But, speaking to MMAFighting, Sean O’Malley revealed some potential dates for the title fight.

“It’s going to happen. It’s going to happen this year,” O’Malley told MMA Fighting. “I don’t have a date for your guys, unfortunately. UFC told me at the end of the month, they’ll have a date for me. I’m guessing, I’m hoping for the Sphere still. I’ve been pushing for that for a while but if not the Sphere, December in Vegas. Either one, I do think it will be in Vegas. It’s one of those two dates.”

Sean O'Malley unsure of UFC 299 PPV sale numbers Everyone I know illegally streams it — Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

The hope for O’Malley is to have it in September at The Sphere as he wants to fight sooner rather than later, but knows his fight will be in Vegas.

“Of course, I’d rather fight September [rather] than December,” O’Malley said. “But whatever UFC says, I’m ready to go.”

Sean O’Malley Says Merab Dvalishvili Is ‘Very Dangerous’

Sean O’Malley knows Merab Dvalishvili is a tough fight for him but he has confidence he will prove people wrong again.

O’Malley says he’s been training for Dvalishvili since his last fight which has made him confident going into the potential fight.

“We’ve been training specifically for Merab since the Chito fight,” O’Malley said. “That’s next and I’m training hard right now, prepared for whatever. We’re 14 weeks out from the Sphere so I’m not training, not full camp but if that’s the date, I’ll get right into camp. But I won’t know until the end of June.”

Ultimately, O’Malley is ready for the challenge as he says Dvalishvili will be one of the toughest opponents he’s fought. But, he has confident he will be able to find that KO shot.

“He’s up there. He’s definitely up there,” O’Malley said when ranking Dvalishvili among his opponents. “I think Aljo was the toughest to fight in the division for me. But 100 percent, Merab is up there. He’s very dangerous. He’s got a good gas tank. He’s hard to finish. That’s a very dangerous combination. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Sean O’Malley is currently 18-1 as a pro with one No Contest.

Video – UFC CBO Hunter Campbell couldn’t help but laugh after Merab Dvalishvili snatched O’Malley’s jacket

Not even the UFC’s Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell could stop himself from laughing at Merab Dvalishvili’s antics at…

Not even the UFC’s Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell could stop himself from laughing at Merab Dvalishvili’s antics at UFC 288.

Neither Dvalishvili nor current bantamweight world champion Sean O’Malley competed at the event, but they certainly stole the show following the evening’s headliner. Then title-holder Aljamain Sterling had just finished scoring a split decision win over Henry Cejudo to retail the gold when his next opponent, O’Malley, stepped inside the Octagon for a face-off.

Also there blending into the background was Sterling’s friend and training partner Dvalishvili, who slyly collected O’Malley’s jacket as things started to heat up between ‘Sugar’ and the ‘Funk Master.’

Never one to pass up an opportunity to troll a rival, ‘The Machine’ quickly put on O’Malley’s jacket and hopped on top of the cage, infuriating O’Malley.

During the recently released Fight Inc: Inside The UFC documentary, fans got a behind-the-scenes look at the aftermath with Dvalishvili being confronted by Cambell.

Campbell reveals he had just paid dvalishvili’s ‘legal bill’ before uFC 288 jacket heist

Initially, Campbell appears to be frustrated by the bantamweight contender’s decision-making, noting that he had already paid a legal fee for Dvalishvili.

“I literally just said no more fights, no more problems. I just paid your legal bill and you put on his f*cking jacket,” Campbell said.

However, Campbell couldn’t keep a straight face for long, letting out a laugh and embracing the Georgian, adding, “I literally just wrote a f*cking check and he’s climbing like a monkey up a f*cking scaffold.”

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Prepare to see that clip a lot more as O’Malley and Dvalishvili march toward their inevitable bantamweight title clash later this year.