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Sean O’Malley closing underdog betting line on UFC title fight against Merab Dvalishvili next

Sean O'Malley told to forget title fight with Ilia Topuria by Dana White after UFC 299 that's crazy talk Undisputed bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley remains a distinct betting underdog to successfully defend that crown in a potential future…

Undisputed bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley remains a distinct betting underdog to successfully defend that crown in a potential future showdown with the surging number one ranked, Merab Dvalishvili – even after his impressive shutout win over Marlon Vera at UFC 299 earlier this month.

O’Malley, the current undisputed bantamweight titleholder, headlined the promotion’s return to Miami, Florida earlier this month – landing a one-sided unanimous decision win over the above-mentioned, Vera, avenging his sole professional loss in the process in the pair’s re-run – four years in the making.

As for Georgian grappling standout, Dvalishvili, the streaking contender most recently featured on the main card of UFC 288 the month prior against the returning former two-division champion, Henry Cejudo – halting any title aspirations he once had in another lopsided judging win for the Tbilisi wrestling sensation.

And in the immediate aftermath of UFC 299, Sean O’Malley remains a +105 betting underdog to beat the -125 betting favorite, Merab Dvalishvili – as odds and market changes appear to suggest the pair currently drift toward pick ‘em numbers so far.

Odds swing toward pick ’em for Sean O’Malley, Merab Dvalishvili fight

With the sweepstakes for a title charge against Sean O’Malley heating up, Tipps.gg offers players and punters all the latest odds on a host of sports including MMA – ahead of what appears to be the biggest test of the Montana’s short title reign so far.

Beginning said regin back in August of last year in Boston, O’Malley became just the second Dana White’s Contender Series product to strike gold following Jamahal Hill’s ascension, with a stunning second round TKO finish of record-setting champion, Aljamain Sterling.

Stopping the Uniondale native in a star-making performance, O’Malley has since avenged his loss to the apparently overmatched Ecuadorian, Vera – and is likely set to stand opposite Dvalishvili in the coming months in a blockbuster bantamweight championship outing.

In the midst of a stunning roughshod winning streak which includes wins over former Octagon championship trio, Cejudo, Petr Yan, and the returning, Jose Aldo – who makes his stunning comeback to the sport at UFC 301, en route to his premiere title tilt, Dvalishvili also turned in a come-from-behind win over ex-title challenger, Marlon Moraes.

Tipped to prove a massive challenge to Sean O’Malley’s reign atop the 135 pound division, the cardio-king and pace-pushing style of Dvalishvili, paired with his patented, almost relentless approach to wrestling has seen many already pick the Georgian to end the run of O’Malley’s just at it’s leaving the proverbial station.

Catapulting himself to number six in the men’s pound-for-pound rankings with his win over rival, Vera in the aftermath of UFC 299, O’Malley, who is most definitely teasing Dvalishvili with the prospect of a clash next, has also welcomed the possibility of a featherweight move and title charge of his won against the incumbent, Ilia Topuria.

Urging the promotion to book him on a jet to the new champion’s residency in Spain, O’Malley’s plans for a reign a division higher have been ultimately shot down by organizational CEO, Dana White, however – who described a potential champion x champion tilt as “crazy” earlier this month in Florida.

Who wins between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili?

Sean O’Malley switches gears, wants to fight Merab Dvalishvili after calling out Ilia Topuria at UFC 299

After calling out Ilia Topuria at UFC 299, bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley is now turning his attention toward the…

After calling out Ilia Topuria at UFC 299, bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley is now turning his attention toward the division’s top-ranked contender.

‘Sugar’ secured his first defense of the 135-pound crown on March 9, delivering a dominant performance against the only man to have defeated him in his mixed martial arts career thus far, Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera. O’Malley scored himself a heaping dose of redemption, outstriking his challenger 232 to 89 and running away with a win on all three scorecards.

Immediately following the contest, O’Malley called for a superfight with current featherweight titleholder Ilia Topuria. The call-out was met with immediate backlash with many pundits suggesting that Sean O’Malley was trying to dodge the No. 1 ranked Merab Dvalishvili.

Now, ‘Sugar’ has seemingly changed his tune, declaring that he wants to fight ‘The Machine’ next.

“I WANT MARAB,” O’Malley wrote on X. “2025 will be legendary.”

Merab Dvalishvili has nothing, but respect for Sean O’Malley

Riding a 10-fight win streak dating back to 2018, Merab Dvalishvili left no question regarding his status as the next man in line with his impressive victory over Henry Cejudo last month. ‘The Machine’ outworked the former two-division titleholder, earning a decision victory in the process.

“He’s very technical, his footwork and reach works,” Dvalishvili said of Sean O’Malley during a recent interview with The Schmo. “I mean he’s working and getting better and I look at him as a good challenge, he’s a dangerous opponent for me and as a fighter. I have so much respect for him but we all have to find out this is MMA, we all saw a kickboxing fight on Saturday it was just all strikes, he’s done very good against grapplers before, but let’s see how he does with me, I’m the next guy we all know.”

As for Sean O’Malley, the bantamweight champ is now 18-1 in MMA following the events of UFC 299.

Sean O’Malley eyes Las Vegas Sphere main event at UFC 306, admits Merab Dvalishvili fight ‘Makes sense’

Fresh from his standout win at UFC 299 over the weekend in Miami, undisputed bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley has…

Fresh from his standout win at UFC 299 over the weekend in Miami, undisputed bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley has sights firmly fixed on his next outing inside the Octagon – welcoming the chance to headline at the Las Vegas Sphere in September, in a sensical fight against surging contender, Merab Dvalishvili.

O’Malley, the current undisputed bantamweight champion, successfully defended his bantamweight crown at the first time of asking over the weekend in Florida, turning in a one-sided unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) win over Marlon Vera in the pair’s heated title fight rematch.

And immediately staking his claim for a featherweight title charge a division higher, Dana White’s Contender Series product, O’Malley urged the promotion to book him in a premiere event in Spain later this year against newly-crowned champion, Ilia Topuria.

However, with promotional boss, White vetoing a clash between championship duo, Topuria and O’Malley almost immediately after UFC 299, the Montana striker has now switched his focus to UFC 306 during September at the Las Vegas Sphere.

Sean O’Malley targets Merab Dvalishvili for UFC 306 return

And in terms of opponents next on his hitlist, the blistering technician claimed a title affair with roughshod running challenger, Dvalishvili made all the sense in the world currently.

“Headlining the Sphere in Vegas,” Sean O’Malley told MMA Fighting. “Let’s do it. I don’t think anybody would argue against that. I think that would be legendary. I know Conor (McGregor) has talked about potentially going on that card, potentially International Fight Week. So, out of respect for him to still be the best and biggest in the business, I’ll take wherever I can get. But yeah, I think that’d be interesting.”

And despite McGregor’s aforenoted intentions to headline the card during Mexican Independence Day weekend later this year, the above-mentioned White claimed he had no interest in putting together a much-anticipated trilogy bout between the Dubliner and two-time foe, Nate Diaz on that event.

Daniel Cormier calls for Conor McGregor to fight Nate Diaz at UFC 300 that brings in the fans — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Who wins in a potential clash at UFC 306: Sean O’Malley or Merab Dvalishvili?

Official – Merab Dvalishvili set to serve as backup for UFC 299 title fight headliner, already cutting weight

Surging bantamweight challenger, Merab Dvalishvili will officially serve as the backup fighter to this weekend’s UFC 299 headliner between…

Surging bantamweight challenger, Merab Dvalishvili will officially serve as the backup fighter to this weekend’s UFC 299 headliner between Sean O’Malley, and Marlon Vera – with the divisional crown on the line atop the pay-per-view card in Miami, Florida.

Dvalishvili, the current number one ranked bantamweight contender, most recently featured on the main card of UFC 298 just last month in a title-eliminator against former two-division champion, Henry Cejudo, turning in a dominant win over the Olympic gold medalist to extend his unbeaten winning spree to a whopping 10 straight fights.

Merab Dvalishvili will serve as backup to UFC 299 main event

And staking his claim for a championship tangle against either current champion, O’Malley or incoming title challenger, Vera come the conclusion of UFC 299 this weekend in ‘The Sunshine State’ – in the eventuality that his services are required, Tbilisi native, Dvalishvili will serve as the official backup fighter to this weekend’s main event bout.

“Booked @MerabDvalishvil is headed to Miami tmrw for #UFC299 as the official title fight back up,” Merab Dvalishvili’s management firm, KOReps posted on their official X account. “Let’s make it a pink panty night! #MiamiMerab”

Backed as a surefire title challenger in the future, Dvalishvili had previously landed wins over the likes of former bantamweight champion, Petr Yan, as well as an impressive come-from-behind win over former title chaser, Marlon Moraes in standout performances – as well as a decision success against former featherweight kingpin and Hall of Fame inductee, Jose Aldo during his current winning run.

UFC 299 takes place on March 9. from the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, with an undisputed bantamweight championship fight between undisputed champion, Sean O’Malley, and Ecuadorian challenger, Marlon Vera slated to take main event honors currently.

The co-headlining slot welcomes the return of former interim lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier in a five round clash with surging French finisher, Benoit Saint-Denis to boot – as part of a heralded main card.

Do you expect Merab Dvalishvili to fight for the title after UFC 299?

Merab Dvalishvili has the key to defeating UFC champion Sean O’Malley: ‘I will take him down’

Merab Dvalishvili believes he holds the key to dethroning Sean O’Malley. Following an impressive showing against former two-division champion…

Merab Dvalishvili believes he holds the key to dethroning Sean O’Malley.

Following an impressive showing against former two-division champion Henry Cejudo at UFC 298, ‘The Machine’ appears to be next in line for a bantamweight title opportunity.

Before getting his turn, Dvalishvili will sit back and watch as O’Malley puts his title on the line for the first time against the only man to have bested him inside the Octagon thus far, Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera, at UFC 299 on March 9. Should ‘Sugar’ pass his first test as the bantamweight king, Dvalishvili already has a pretty good idea of what he’ll need to do to end O’Malley’s reign.

“I see [O’Malley] as a dangerous opponent because he has good footwork, he has knockout power, he has a very strong right hand, and he has good timing,” Dvalishvili said on the MIGHTYcast podcast with Demetrious Johnson. “I see him as a dangerous fighter. Once he won on the Contender Series and I saw him in the UFC, I wanted to fight him because I want to challenge myself and I’m still looking that way.

“But how I see [the fight playing out], I think I should stay smart, just patient, keep striking and just wait for my time to shoot. If he defends, I let him go and then I’m going to shoot again, make him slow, make him tired, and eventually I will take him down” (h/t MMA Fighting).

Merab Dvalishvili ready to prepare for a potential clash with ‘Chito’

Of course, if Vera scores a second win over O’Malley in Miami, he will likely be the man fighting Dvalishvili later this year.

“I think ‘Chito’ is also a good fighter,” Dvalishvili said. “Very smart, he’s waiting in his pocket, he’s patient. He’s slow, but he’s sharp. Of course, he has a lot of experience in the UFC, he’s been in so many fights, won and lost. He’s dangerous, he has good kicks as well. But I don’t study him much, ‘Chito’ Vera, yet, but one thing is for sure, I will just train hard.

“What I learned is that you’ve got to just go step by step every fight. I’m focused on my next fight, next fight, next fight, that’s how I believe. I realized that a couple of years ago, just focus on the next fight.“

Sean O’Malley walks back Ilia Topuria call out following fan backlash, says Merab Dvalishvili is next

‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley is pumping the brakes on his proposed superfight with newly minted featherweight world champion Ilia Topuria….

‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley is pumping the brakes on his proposed superfight with newly minted featherweight world champion Ilia Topuria.

Following Topuria’s shocking second-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, O’Malley made it clear that a champion vs. champion clash with ‘El Matador’ sounded much more interesting than a match-up with the grapple-heavy Merab Dvalishvili.

“When I think of a scary opponent, like what makes me (shiver), that’s Ilia,” O’Malley told Ariel Helwani on a recent episode of The MMA Hour. “Ilia gives me that – he could put your f*cking lights out and change your life. That’s a scary opponent.”

Unfortunately for O’Malley, UFC fans did not agree. The reigning bantamweight champ was flooded with comments online, accusing him of ducking his division’s clear-cut No. 1 contender. As a result, O’Malley walked back his MMA Hour comments, declaring that Dvalishvili will be the next man up and his intentions of making an example out of ‘The Machine.’

“I wanted the Ilia fight, it excites me, but I also thought the fans would get excited about it,” O’Malley said on his YouTube channel. “I got a lot of pushback, saying ‘You’re ducking Merab, Merab is next.’ So, Merab’s next. Let’s do Merab. I’m telling you guys, I knock Merab out. Obviously, I gotta get through ‘Chito,’ but I’m telling you guys, when I fight Merab I’m knocking that dude out. He’s sloppy. I’m accurate. I’m too fast. I’m too sharp. I put Merab’s lights out — worse than Aljo” (h/t MMA Mania).

Sean O’Malley will have to get past ‘Chito’ Vera before dismantling ‘The machine’

Dvalishvili’s unanimous decision victory over former two-division titleholder Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 skyrocketed him to the top of the bantamweight division’s top 10 rankings. Sitting on a 10-fight win streak, there is no other fighter at 135 more deserving of a title opportunity.

UFC CEO Dana White said as much while addressing reporters at the latest pay-per-view’s post-fight press event.

“He looked good tonight, man,” White said. “He did what he had (to do). In my opinion, you can’t take three years off in a combat sport. It’s never done well for anybody. Cejudo looked great in the first round. I thought he started to gas out in the second round. Merab just got stronger as the fight went on.”

Of course, before Sean O’Malley can turn his attention toward either Merab Dvalishvili or Ilia Topuria, he’ll have to get past his first bantamweight title challenger, Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera. The two will meet in the UFC 299 headliner on March 9 when the promotion returns to Miami.

Vera is the only man to have beaten O’Malley inside the Octagon, scoring a first-round TKO against ‘Sugar’ in August 2020.