Merab Dvalishvili defeated Sean O’Malley in their UFC 316 rematch with a third-round submission, showcasing his grappling skills and relentless pressure, while his coach John Wood noted O’Malley’s demeanor changed after a significant takedown, and despite O’Malley’s improvements, a third fight seems unlikely unless he climbs the bantamweight ranks again.
Merab Dvalishvili has an uncanny knack for breaking his opponents’ will, often through relentless pressure and conditioning. However, his head coach doesn’t think that’s what led to Sean O’Malley’s downfall at UFC 316.
After beating O’Malley by decision in their first encounter, Dvalishvili topped himself in the rematch. He secured an impressive third-round finish with a vicious choke. Wrestling and grappling were key, but John Wood noticed a shift in O’Malley’s demeanor earlier, during their stand-up exchanges.
“I do believe that knockout was an option,” Wood told MMA Fighting. “Merab was landing well and rocked him a few times. The goal is always to finish however we can. Winning is priority number one.”
“There are moments in fights where a fighter breaks. They give options to get out, sometimes subconsciously,” Wood added.
So, when did O’Malley break in the rematch? Wood saw it when Dvalishvili broke through O’Malley’s takedown defense, lifting and slamming him in the cage’s center.
O’Malley mentioned a hip injury after their first fight, which hindered his grappling training. Despite improvements, that slam from Dvalishvili took a toll.
“I think that was the start,” Wood said about the takedown. “There’s a moment when he realizes, ‘oh shit, this feels oddly similar but worse.’”
“When another man picks you up like a child and throws you down, it’s hard not to feel defeated. Merab’s got Sean’s number,” Wood remarked.
Wood had predicted Dvalishvili would look for the finish, so the third-round choke didn’t surprise him. He believes Dvalishvili is just beginning to showcase his finishing ability.
“Mark my words, this won’t be the last submission,” Wood stated. “There will be knockouts. TKO’s. Merab’s still improving.”
“Merab is special. His timing, vision, and adaptability are exceptional. He figures it out on the go, even in chaos,” Wood praised.
With two wins over O’Malley, Dvalishvili looks for new challenges. Contenders like Cory Sandhagen and Mario Bautista are potential targets.
Wood expects Dvalishvili to focus on new goals but doesn’t rule out a future rematch with O’Malley if the UFC desires it.
“In reality, we might not see it again,” Wood said. “But if O’Malley performs well, the UFC might push for it.”
“If the UFC sees marketing potential, they’ll make it happen. Rankings aren’t always the priority,” Wood explained.
What does O’Malley need to do for a third fight? His coach thinks it’s a tough climb but not impossible.
“I don’t think Sean will be the next contender soon,” Wood said. “He’d need to beat a murderer’s row of fighters.”
“Maybe he considers moving to 145 pounds, but those guys are big. He’d need more muscle,” Wood suggested.
“There are good fights for him at 135 pounds. Win a couple more, then decide. He’s a talented fighter people love to watch,” Wood concluded.