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

Following his win over Cory Sandhagen at the start of August, Umar Nurmagomedov would appear to be the next in line to challenge for the bantamweight title. Sean O’Malley will be defending the belt against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 while Nurmagomedov watches on to see how it plays out. The only thing that could […]

Continue Reading Coach On Sean O’Malley Not Defending Title Against Umar Nurmagomedov: “If ‘Suga’ Just Faceplants Merab & Drops A ‘Hendo’ Bomb…” at MMA News.

Following his win over Cory Sandhagen at the start of August, Umar Nurmagomedov would appear to be the next in line to challenge for the bantamweight title.

Sean O’Malley will be defending the belt against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 while Nurmagomedov watches on to see how it plays out.

The only thing that could potentially stop the undefeated contender from getting his shot is if there is the potential to put on a massive fight between UFC champions.

O’Malley has spoken in the past about wanting to challenge himself at featherweight and though Dvalishvili presents a very serious threat, “Suga” has big plans.

The current champion has spoken about wanting to face Nurmagomedov but a super fight against the winner of the featherweight title fight at UFC 308 could be a now-or-never opportunity for O’Malley and the promotion.

Tim Welch Says Super Fight Could Be Next For Sean O’Malley Under The Right Circumstances

In a recent interview with James Lynch for Bodog Canada, O’Malley’s head coach Tim Welch gave his thoughts on Nurmagomedov being the next contender.

Welch believes that taking on the cousin of the great Khabib Nurmagomedov will be their next challenge unless the main events of UFC 306 and UFC 308 end in emphatic fashion.

He thinks that the UFC could strike while the iron is hot if both O’Malley and either Ilia Topuria or Max Holloway is able to put in a statement performance before going on to face each other, leaving Nurmagomedov to wait a bit longer for his chance.

Welch referenced Dan Henderson’s iconic knockout of Michael Bisping at UFC 100 to make the case for this fight being put together if there is enough buzz.

“I think we’ll see how it goes and if Ilia, maybe if Max knocks out Ilia or Ilia knocks out Max cold and then ‘Suga’ just face plants Merab and drops a ‘Hendo’ bomb on him at the end and it’s just spectacular knock outs, I don’t think Dana and those guys would be opposed to make a super fight.”

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

Continue Reading Coach On Sean O’Malley Not Defending Title Against Umar Nurmagomedov: “If ‘Suga’ Just Faceplants Merab & Drops A ‘Hendo’ Bomb…” at MMA News.

Daniel Cormier explains how O’Malley is playing psychological games with Merab Dvalishvili

Daniel Cormier explains how O'Malley is playing psychological games with Merab DvalishviliAhead of next month’s title fight at Noche UFC, former two-weight champion, Daniel Cormier claims it’s clear as day…

Daniel Cormier explains how O'Malley is playing psychological games with Merab Dvalishvili

Ahead of next month’s title fight at Noche UFC, former two-weight champion, Daniel Cormier claims it’s clear as day to see the incumbent, Sean O’Malley is playing “mind games” with his incoming foe, Merab Dvalishvili.

O’Malley, the current undisputed bantamweight gold holder, is slated to headline UFC 306 next month at the Las Vegas Sphere, taking on surging number one ranked contender, Merab Dvalishvili — in his second defense of his divisional crown.

Video - Sean O'Malley issues warning to Merab Dvalishvili in face off: 'Do you wanna die?'

Last time out, Montana striker, O’Malley turned in a dominant unanimous decision win over Marlon Vera — avenging his sole professional defeat in a stunning judging win over the Ecuadorian challenger.

As for Tbilisi native, Dvalishvili most recently added to his lengthy winning spree with a unanimous decision shutout win over former two-division champion and Olympic gold medal winner, Henry Cejudo.

Daniel Cormier breaks down Sean O’Malley – Merab Dvalishvili

And according to Hall of Fame inductee, Cormier, the undisputed gold holder, O’Malley is playing some major “mind games” with Georgian challenger, Merab Dvalishvili ahead of Noche UFC.

Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili Sphere

“This young man has managed to not only become a champion but to become a star,” Daniel Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “So when (Sean) O’Malley says things like that, I’m pretty sure he’s stewing. But he (Merab Dvalishvili) also has to recognize that these are the games that guys that understand fighting.”

They want to play the mind game with you, that really are like O’Malley or Conor McGregor,” Cormier explained. “Them being able to frustrate you is a win for them. Because if you get frustrated. and you start to make a mistake.”

Vowing to steal the proverbial thunder of super middleweight boxing star, Canelo Alvarez who defends his crown on the same night as his fight at the Sphere against Edgar Berlanga, O’Malley also vowed to land a stunning knockout of Dvalishvili.

“This fight, I’m feeling good as f*ck,” Sean O’Malley said. “I love this matchup. He’s got a ten fight win streak. It’s a big fight. It’s at The Sphere. It’s in competition with boxing, which is just kinda an extra little layer. 

gettyimages 1358171415 612x612 1

“When it comes to Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, who are they talking about?” Sean O’Malley explained. “Are they talking about Canelo? Are they talking about the boxing fight? Or are they talking about the absolute dominating, beautiful, masterful, masterclass performance that I put on Merab and the viral knockout that came with it? Or are they talking about a 36 minutes Canelo boxing fight, that was kinda fire?”

Sean O’Malley wants Floyd Mayweather: ‘I would love that … put him out’

Sean O'Malley wants Floyd Mayweather: 'I would love that ... put him out'Ahead of his return to fighting next month in the main event of Noche UFC at the Las Vegas…

Sean O'Malley wants Floyd Mayweather: 'I would love that ... put him out'

Ahead of his return to fighting next month in the main event of Noche UFC at the Las Vegas Sphere, undisputed bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley has once more staked his claim for a potential future boxing move — in the form of a lucrative pairing against former world champion veteran, Floyd Mayweather.

O’Malley, the current undisputed bantamweight champion, is slated to headline UFC 306 next month at a monumental event at the Las Vegas Sphere, taking on surging number one ranked challenger, Georgian grappling star, Merab Dvalishvili.

Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili Sphere

Most recently headlining UFC 299 back in March, Montana striker, O’Malley avenged his sole professional defeat in the form of a dominant unanimous decision win over two-time foe, Marlon Vera — landing a one-sided victory against the Ecuadorian challenger.

gettyimages 1358513359 612x612 1

As for former multiple weight and time world boxing champion, Mayweather, the Michigan veteran featured in an exhibition rematch against New York puncher, John Gotti III in Mexico City — likely beating the latter over the course of eight rounds in a non-scored pairing.

Sean O’Malley eyes future Floyd Mayweather showdown

However, appearing to hopefully land himself in the squared circle in the near future, Sean O’Malley claims he would knock out Mayweather if they ever laced up the gloves against each other.

gettyimages 2167487958 612x612 1

“”The first couple of highlights I watched from like round one and three, Floyd (Mayweather) was piecing him (John Gotti III) up, looking good as f*ck,” Sean O’Malley said on his podcast. “Like pull two’s… It was pretty f*cking sick… Me vs Floyd? I would love that, that would be crazy. Just get him right at the end, put him out, and put him in.”

Minting himself as the undisputed bantamweight champion back in August of last year, Contender Series product, O’Malley turned in an impressive second round win over former champion, Aljamain Sterling — stopping the Uniondale native with a stunning knockout win in Boston, Massachusetts.

Exclusive: UFC Veteran Says Merab Dvalishvili Swamps Sean O’Malley: “Merab will have O’Malley drowning and looking for a way out”

Merab Dvalishvili Sean O'Malley UFC 306 Vince MoralesSpeaking to UFC veteran Vince Morales, a training partner of Merab Dvalishvili, he explained that he will be too…

Merab Dvalishvili Sean O'Malley UFC 306 Vince Morales

Speaking to UFC veteran Vince Morales, a training partner of Merab Dvalishvili, he explained that he will be too much for Sean O’Malley. At UFC 306, we are likely to see a new UFC world champion in the bantamweight division.

Merab Dvalishvili Drowns Sean O’Malley

Sean O’Malley is the current UFC bantamweight world champion. The US-born athlete captured the title with an impressive knockout against Aljamain Sterling and then defended this crown, avenging a prior loss, against Marlon ‘Chiro’ Vera. At UFC 306 on September 14, O’Malley looks to defend his UFC throne against the relentless Merab Dvalishvili.

The Machine’ Merab Dvalishvili truly lives up to his name as he constantly has non-stop pressure in the octagon. The Georgian athlete has a background in Sambo, Judo, and traditional wrestling. Thus far in his UFC career, he has had impressive wins over fighters such as Henry Cejudo, Petr Yan, and José Aldo, among many others. Among active UFC fighters, he holds the record for most takedowns landed throughout his career.

Sean O'Malley fight with Merab Dvalishvili I don't know why everyone thinks I'm scared UFC
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Vince Morales is an MMA veteran who has fought all across the globe including RIZIN, Bellator, Dana White’s Contender Series, XMMA, and the UFC. On August 30, he will fight for the UFL world title against Hunter Azure. Morales and Dvalishvili training with each other has been invaluable as they have title matches within just a few weeks.

In an exclusive conversation with LowKickMMA, Vince Morales offered a prediction for the UFC 306 title match between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley. He said:

“I think in the championship rounds, like the fourth round, Merab will have O’Malley drowning and looking for a way out. The first couple of rounds will be tense, but Merab will handle it. I picture O’Malley looking for a way out towards the end.”

At UFL 5, Vince Morales will seek the bantamweight title on August 30. While his training partner Merab Dvalishvili looks to take the UFC bantamweight championship against Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 on September 14.

Exclusive: Vince Morales talks Superhuman Training with Merab Dvalishvili: “Being tired doesn’t deter him”

Merab Dvalishvili Vince MoralesMMA veteran Vince Morales has spent a ton of time training with Merab Dvalishvili at Syndicate MMA. Both will…

Merab Dvalishvili Vince Morales

MMA veteran Vince Morales has spent a ton of time training with Merab Dvalishvili at Syndicate MMA. Both will be fighting for world titles very soon.

Vince Morales Training with Merab Dvalishvili

At United Fight League 5, ‘Vandetta’ Vince Morales will face Hunter Azure with the bantamweight world title on the line, this match is booked for August 30. To help get ready, ‘The Machine‘ Merab Dvalishvili has been working with Morales to sharpen their respective skills. Dvalishvili is set to take on Sean O’Malley for the UFC bantamweight title at UFC 306 in just a few weeks.

Merab Dvalishvili is known for his relentless pace in the octagon. Against Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo, Dvalishvili lived up to his moniker ‘The Machine’ as he never stopped working for takedowns and was constantly aggressive.

Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili Sphere

Vince Morales spoke to LowKick MMA in an exclusive interview and explained what it’s like training with Merab Dvalishvili as they both prep for world title matches. He said:

“[He is] Exactly what you would expect after watching him fight—nonstop. He laughs a little more than he does in the fight. He’s a goer. We get a lot of good work in together. He’s one of my favorite training partners. We know it’s going to be a tough day, and we get in there and scrap. Thankfully, I only have him for three rounds at a time.

“I don’t know how he does it. I think it’s all mental. His mind is set on effort, and being tired doesn’t deter him. He gets tired, gets excited, and handles it. Everything he does is full of effort and intent. Even if he doesn’t get a takedown or throws the best punch, he meant to do it and put in full effort. That makes all the difference.”

Morales has remained unbeaten and put together an impressive four-fight win streak since stepping away from the UFC. With multiple world titles on the line, the Syndicate MMA gym is entering the gold season. Vince Morales added:

“We’re gearing up for the Syndicate Gold Rush. On August 30th, I’ve got Hunter Azure for the title, and then we’ve got Merab for the belt. Khalil is fighting Alex Pereira. So yeah, the Syndicate Gold Rush begins next week.”

Sean O’Malley: Conor McGregor is UFC’s biggest star, but I’m coming for that spot

Sean O’Malley: Conor McGregor is UFC’s biggest star, but I’m coming for that spotAhead of his return at Noche UFC next month in a title fight with the surging, Merab Dvalishvili, current…

Sean O’Malley: Conor McGregor is UFC’s biggest star, but I’m coming for that spot

Ahead of his return at Noche UFC next month in a title fight with the surging, Merab Dvalishvili, current undisputed bantamweight best, Sean O’Malley is well aware that ex-champion, Conor McGregor is still the standard for stars in the sport, however, he claims he is fast coming for that crown.

O’Malley, the current undisputed bantamweight champion under the banner of the organization, is slated to take main event honors at the Las Vegas Sphere next month — headlining Noche UFC in a title showdown with Georgian grappling ace, Dvalishvili.

gettyimages 1358329659 612x612 1

Last featuring at UFC 299 back in March, Montana striker, O’Malley landed a one-sided unanimous decision win over former-foe, Marlon Vera — avenging his sole professional loss against the Ecuadorian striking veteran.

And while former two-weight titleholder, Conor McGregor has yet to return following a leg injury over three years ago, the Dubliner continues to draw heavy links to a return at UFC 310 before the end of the year in a welterweight clash with Michael Chandler.

gettyimages 1358171415 612x612 1

Sean O’Malley again takes aim at Conor McGregor

However, amid uncertainty over his future in the sport, Contender Series product, O’Malley claims he is coming for the crown from McGregor — starting with his showdown against Dvalishvili.

Video - Sean O'Malley issues warning to Merab Dvalishvili in face off: 'Do you wanna die?'

“Right now, it’s Conor McGregor, 100 percent,” Sean O’Malley told ESPN. “He’s a dork, but it’s the truth. For me to get to that, I need to go out there and knock out Merab (Dvalishvili), I go up to [145lbs], I beat Ilia (Topuria), I beat Max (Holloway), I beat Umar (Nurmagomedov), I’m three fights away from being one of the greatest of all-time, one of the most exciting of all-time. There’s [a] difference.”

“No one thinks Conor’s the greatest fighter of all-time,” Sean O’Malley explained. “He was lacking skills, lacked title defenses, but entertainment-wise, he’s the best in the world. Entertainment-wise, he was the best.”