Tag: UFC 306

Sean O’Malley says Merab Dvalishvili will not be able to wrestle: ‘I can knock anybody out’

Sean O’Malley says Merab Dvalishvili will not be able to wrestle: 'I can knock anybody out'Ahead of his undisputed bantamweight title fight against number one contender, Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC next month, divisional…

Sean O’Malley says Merab Dvalishvili will not be able to wrestle: 'I can knock anybody out'

Ahead of his undisputed bantamweight title fight against number one contender, Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC next month, divisional champion, Sean O’Malley has his doubts that the Georgian will be able to impose his wrestling-heavy tactics against him — warning the challenger he has the ability to knock anybody out.

O’Malley, the current undisputed bantamweight champion, looks to defend his divisional crown next month for the second time, following a prior unanimous decision shutout win against Marlon Vera back in March in the main event of UFC 299.

suga sean

As for Dvalishvili, the Tbilisi native featured most recently on the main card of UFC 298 back in February against former two-division champion, Henry Cejudo, landing a one-sided unanimous judging win over the Olympic gold medal winner.

Sean O’Malley predicts knockout win over Merab Dvalishvili

Sharing a distinct rivalry with Dvalishvili — who suffered a nasty laceration over his eye ahead of his fight with the Montana striker next month, O’Malley — who urged him not to withdraw from the Las Vegas Sphere card, vowed to knock him out if he tried to wrestle him as with prior opposition.

Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili Sphere

“Styles — I know I can knock anybody out,” Sean O’Malley told ESPN during a recent interview. “I just believe he (Merab Dvalishvili) is going to. It only takes one mistake. Aljo (Aljamain Sterling) made a mistake, got his lights put out. Chito (Marlon Vera), wasn’t able to put his lights out, very, very tough dude, but I was able to find his chin quite a bit.

“I believe if I find Merab’s chin the way I was finding Chito’s, the way I found Aljo’s chin, I’m going to get him out of there,” Sean O’Malley continued.

Sean O'Malley

Winning his crown back in August of last year, O’Malley felled Dvalishvili’s close friend and training partner, Aljamain Sterling with a stunning second round knockout win in Boston, Massachusetts.

Sean O’Malley says Merab Dvalishvili will not be able to wrestle: ‘I can knock anybody out’

Sean O’Malley says Merab Dvalishvili will not be able to wrestle: 'I can knock anybody out'Ahead of his undisputed bantamweight title fight against number one contender, Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC next month, divisional…

Sean O’Malley says Merab Dvalishvili will not be able to wrestle: 'I can knock anybody out'

Ahead of his undisputed bantamweight title fight against number one contender, Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC next month, divisional champion, Sean O’Malley has his doubts that the Georgian will be able to impose his wrestling-heavy tactics against him — warning the challenger he has the ability to knock anybody out.

O’Malley, the current undisputed bantamweight champion, looks to defend his divisional crown next month for the second time, following a prior unanimous decision shutout win against Marlon Vera back in March in the main event of UFC 299.

suga sean

As for Dvalishvili, the Tbilisi native featured most recently on the main card of UFC 298 back in February against former two-division champion, Henry Cejudo, landing a one-sided unanimous judging win over the Olympic gold medal winner.

Sean O’Malley predicts knockout win over Merab Dvalishvili

Sharing a distinct rivalry with Dvalishvili — who suffered a nasty laceration over his eye ahead of his fight with the Montana striker next month, O’Malley — who urged him not to withdraw from the Las Vegas Sphere card, vowed to knock him out if he tried to wrestle him as with prior opposition.

Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili Sphere

“Styles — I know I can knock anybody out,” Sean O’Malley told ESPN during a recent interview. “I just believe he (Merab Dvalishvili) is going to. It only takes one mistake. Aljo (Aljamain Sterling) made a mistake, got his lights put out. Chito (Marlon Vera), wasn’t able to put his lights out, very, very tough dude, but I was able to find his chin quite a bit.

“I believe if I find Merab’s chin the way I was finding Chito’s, the way I found Aljo’s chin, I’m going to get him out of there,” Sean O’Malley continued.

Sean O'Malley

Winning his crown back in August of last year, O’Malley felled Dvalishvili’s close friend and training partner, Aljamain Sterling with a stunning second round knockout win in Boston, Massachusetts.

Aljamain Sterling Calls Out Dana White’s ‘Over The Top Reaction’ To Merab Dvalishvili Publicly Posting Training Cut

Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling doesn’t believe Dana White had an appropriate reaction to Merab Dvalishvili’s recent cut. Dvalishvili, who is set to challenge current 135-pound kingpin Sean O’Malley for the title in the main event of Noche UFC/UFC 306 at the Sphere next month, was scolded by White this week after he posted […]

Continue Reading Aljamain Sterling Calls Out Dana White’s ‘Over The Top Reaction’ To Merab Dvalishvili Publicly Posting Training Cut at MMA News.

Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling doesn’t believe Dana White had an appropriate reaction to Merab Dvalishvili’s recent cut.

Dvalishvili, who is set to challenge current 135-pound kingpin Sean O’Malley for the title in the main event of Noche UFC/UFC 306 at the Sphere next month, was scolded by White this week after he posted a video online showing a facial laceration.

The Georgian uploaded a number of videos of the cut he suffered 25 days out from his first championship opportunity, raising slight concern in the community about his status for the September 14 card.

“The Machine” has since clarified that nothing will prevent him from making the walk to do battle with “Sugar” in Las Vegas, but that doesn’t mean everyone thinks the decision to publicly display the cut was smart.

Chief among them was the UFC CEO, who slammed Dvalishvili during the press conference following Tuesday’s episode of Dana White’s Contender Series.

“The whole world knows about Merab’s cut. He posted it. Our guys are so dumb, it’s next-level unbelievable,” White said. “All the stuff I talk about boxing, what I will give boxing, is when something happens in a camp, man, let me tell you what, it does not leak. Our guys can’t f*cking wait to throw it up on social media.

“It’s a small cut. It’s no big deal. But obviously, it needed to be posted,” White continued. “Why the f*ck would you want him to know that? It is next-level stupid. Some of these guys are so stupid it’s mind-boggling. It’s unbelievable.”

Those comments, however, didn’t sit well with one of Dvalishvili’s closest friends and teammates, and somebody who’s had his own fair share of back and forth with White in the past…

Sterling Defends Teammate Dvalishvili From White’s Wrath

When it comes to rocky relationships between fighter and higher-ups, not many have had public disagreements with the likes of White quite like Sterling.

The now-featherweight contender has taken issue with comments regarding his desire not to fight Dvalishvili while he was bantamweight champ, as well as what he saw as pressure to accept a quick turnaround to fight O’Malley last August.

Suffice to say, “Funk Master” has never been one to shy away from speaking out against things said by the UFC CEO. And that trend continued this week, with Sterling leaping to the defense of Dvalishvili following White’s scathing reaction to the post detailing the Georgian’s laceration in training.

“Everyone is making a much bigger deal over ‘the little cut’, even the boss. Merab shares his stories of training camp, the good, the bad, the ugly, and ppl LOVE him for it. There’s nothing ‘stupid’ about it, period,” Sterling wrote. “He’s training, and will show up Sept 14, like he always does. Is this about betting lines?? Is it about a fight cancelation?? Respectfully, this reaction was a bit over the top IMHO.”

Dvalishvili has since shown his return to the training room on social media, as he gears up for the chance to bring O’Malley’s reign to an end and avenge his teammate’s knockout loss to the striking specialist in Boston last year.

Continue Reading Aljamain Sterling Calls Out Dana White’s ‘Over The Top Reaction’ To Merab Dvalishvili Publicly Posting Training Cut at MMA News.

Merab Dvalishvili Suffers Cut in Training – Insulted by Dana White and Sean O’Malley

Merab Dvalishvili Suffers Cut in Training - Insulted by Dana White and Sean O’MalleyMerab Dvalishvili isn’t going to let a little cut keep him from his first shot at UFC gold. On…

Merab Dvalishvili Suffers Cut in Training - Insulted by Dana White and Sean O’Malley

Merab Dvalishvili isn’t going to let a little cut keep him from his first shot at UFC gold.

On September 14, ‘The Machine’ will step into the main event spotlight at UFC 306 when the promotion makes its highly anticipated debut at Sphere in Las Vegas. There, Dvalishvili will meet reigning bantamweight world champion Sean O’Malley in one of the most anticipated matchups in 135-pound history.

Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley

Recently, Dvalishvili had fight fans in a frenzy after revealing that he had sustained a cut while training. Having flashbacks to Charles Oliveira’s withdrawal from a scheduled rematch with Islam Makhachev last year, speculation quickly ran rampant that the Noche UFC headliner could see a significant shake-up.

“This little f*ckin rat better not pull out I swear to god,” O’Malley wrote on X in response to the news.

Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley

Dvalishvili was quick to quell any rumors of his withdrawal while responding to ‘Sugar’ on social media.

“Calm down – it’s all good – just a little training injury,” Dvalishvili replied on Instagram. “Never pulled out of a fight – and never will! I’m coming for you O’Malley – stronger than ever. Vamos!”

‘The Machine’ also posted a video while putting in work at the gym, making it clear that he’s coming for the bantamweight crown and no cut is going to stop that.

Dana White frustrated by Merab Dvalishvili’s decision to disclose cut

Addressing the media following Tuesday’s edition of Dana White’s Contender Series, the UFC CEO was asked about Dvalishvili’s reveal. Clearly frustrated, White launched a fiery response and slammed the Georgian’s decision to tell the entire world about the cut.

“The whole world knows about Merab’s cut, he posted it. Our guys are so dumb, it’s next-level unbelievable,” White said of Dvalishvili. “All the stuff that I talk about boxing, what I will give boxing, is when something happens in the camp, man, let me tell you what, it does not leak. And our guys can’t f*cking wait to put it up on social media…

“It’s a small cut, no big deal, but obviously needed to be posted” (h/t BJPenn.com).

When one reporter suggested that O’Malley could exploit Dvalishvili’s wound, White added:

“And why the f*ck would you want him to know that? It is next-level stupid, some of these guys are so stupid it’s…mind-boggling, it’s unbelievable.”

What’s Next After UFC 305? Full Confirmed Noche UFC Main Card For The Sphere On September 14

UFC 305 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering. The promotion was in Perth, Australia, last week, where the RAC Arena played host to a number of intriguing matchups for its latest visit Down Under. Of note were victories for UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du […]

Continue Reading What’s Next After UFC 305? Full Confirmed Noche UFC Main Card For The Sphere On September 14 at MMA News.

UFC 305 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering.

The promotion was in Perth, Australia, last week, where the RAC Arena played host to a number of intriguing matchups for its latest visit Down Under. Of note were victories for UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis, former interim flyweight title challenger Kai Kara-France, and lightweight fan favorite Dan Hooker.

While the aftermath of the August 17 card is currently the talk of the town, it won’t be long until focus sways to the next PPV, and from the middleweight title picture to the bantamweight and women’s flyweight championship conversations.

At Noche UFC (UFC 306), an event set to celebrate Mexican Independance Day inside the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 14, reigning 135-pound kingpin Sean O’Malley will compete for the second time this year. After defeating Marlon Vera, “Sugar” will make his second defense of the gold in a long-awaited grudge match against top contender Merab Dvalishvili.

There will also be title stakes in the co-headliner, as flyweight queen Alexa Grasso completes her trilogy with the legendary Valentina Shevchenko. The pair previously fought to a draw at the first installment of Noche UFC last September and have since coached opposite one another on The Ultimate Fighter.

Ortega & Lopes Among Those Setting The Stage For Title Headliners At UFC 30

Before O’Malley defends his championship and the promotion’s top female flyweights run it back again, a mix of veterans and prospects will take to the Octagon looking to make the most of their positions on the major card.

That includes former two-time featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega and the up-and-coming Diego Lopes, who will give their matchup a second chance at making it to the Octagon. After a same-day withdrawal from “T-City” saw the Mexico-residing Brazilian face and defeat Dan Ige at International Fight Week instead, Lopes will have the opportunity to crack the top five in rearranged clash with Ortega.

Prior to that, highly touted Mexican prospects Daniel Zellhuber and Ronaldo Rodriguez will open the main card against Esteban Ribovics and Ode’ Osbourne, respectively, while notable names like Irena Aldana and Raul Rosas Jr. will feature on the prelims.

See below for the full UFC 306 card, as it stands.

Main Card:

  • Sean O’Malley (C) vs. Merab Dvalishvili (bantamweight championship main event)
  • Alexa Grasso (C) vs. Valentina Shevchenko (flyweight championship co-main event)
  • Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes (featherweight)
  • Daniel Zellhuber vs. Estaban Ribovics (lightweight)
  • Ronaldo Rodriguez vs. Ode’ Osbourne (flyweight)

Preliminary Card:

  • Manuel Torres vs. Ignacio Bahamondes (lightweight)
  • Irena Aldana vs. Norma Dumont (women’s bantamweight)
  • Edgar Cháirez vs. Kevin Borjas (flyweight)
  • Yazmin Jauregui vs. Ketlen Souza (women’s strawweight)
  • Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Aoriqileng (bantamweight)
Diego Lopes
Image: UFC.com

Continue Reading What’s Next After UFC 305? Full Confirmed Noche UFC Main Card For The Sphere On September 14 at MMA News.

What’s Next After UFC 305? Full Confirmed Noche UFC Main Card For The Sphere On September 14

UFC 305 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering. The promotion was in Perth, Australia, last week, where the RAC Arena played host to a number of intriguing matchups for its latest visit Down Under. Of note were victories for UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du […]

Continue Reading What’s Next After UFC 305? Full Confirmed Noche UFC Main Card For The Sphere On September 14 at MMA News.

UFC 305 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering.

The promotion was in Perth, Australia, last week, where the RAC Arena played host to a number of intriguing matchups for its latest visit Down Under. Of note were victories for UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis, former interim flyweight title challenger Kai Kara-France, and lightweight fan favorite Dan Hooker.

While the aftermath of the August 17 card is currently the talk of the town, it won’t be long until focus sways to the next PPV, and from the middleweight title picture to the bantamweight and women’s flyweight championship conversations.

At Noche UFC (UFC 306), an event set to celebrate Mexican Independance Day inside the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 14, reigning 135-pound kingpin Sean O’Malley will compete for the second time this year. After defeating Marlon Vera, “Sugar” will make his second defense of the gold in a long-awaited grudge match against top contender Merab Dvalishvili.

There will also be title stakes in the co-headliner, as flyweight queen Alexa Grasso completes her trilogy with the legendary Valentina Shevchenko. The pair previously fought to a draw at the first installment of Noche UFC last September and have since coached opposite one another on The Ultimate Fighter.

Ortega & Lopes Among Those Setting The Stage For Title Headliners At UFC 30

Before O’Malley defends his championship and the promotion’s top female flyweights run it back again, a mix of veterans and prospects will take to the Octagon looking to make the most of their positions on the major card.

That includes former two-time featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega and the up-and-coming Diego Lopes, who will give their matchup a second chance at making it to the Octagon. After a same-day withdrawal from “T-City” saw the Mexico-residing Brazilian face and defeat Dan Ige at International Fight Week instead, Lopes will have the opportunity to crack the top five in rearranged clash with Ortega.

Prior to that, highly touted Mexican prospects Daniel Zellhuber and Ronaldo Rodriguez will open the main card against Esteban Ribovics and Ode’ Osbourne, respectively, while notable names like Irena Aldana and Raul Rosas Jr. will feature on the prelims.

See below for the full UFC 306 card, as it stands.

Main Card:

  • Sean O’Malley (C) vs. Merab Dvalishvili (bantamweight championship main event)
  • Alexa Grasso (C) vs. Valentina Shevchenko (flyweight championship co-main event)
  • Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes (featherweight)
  • Daniel Zellhuber vs. Estaban Ribovics (lightweight)
  • Ronaldo Rodriguez vs. Ode’ Osbourne (flyweight)

Preliminary Card:

  • Manuel Torres vs. Ignacio Bahamondes (lightweight)
  • Irena Aldana vs. Norma Dumont (women’s bantamweight)
  • Edgar Cháirez vs. Kevin Borjas (flyweight)
  • Yazmin Jauregui vs. Ketlen Souza (women’s strawweight)
  • Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Aoriqileng (bantamweight)
Diego Lopes
Image: UFC.com

Continue Reading What’s Next After UFC 305? Full Confirmed Noche UFC Main Card For The Sphere On September 14 at MMA News.