Merab Dvalishvili is set for a rematch against Sean O’Malley at UFC 316, with Cory Sandhagen emerging as a potential next contender, while former teammate Patchy Mix also enters the mix after his UFC debut.
Merab Dvalishvili finds himself in an unexpected rematch with Sean O’Malley at UFC 316. The reason? No other top contender had emerged in the bantamweight division. But that might change after Saturday night.
O’Malley was granted an immediate rematch without another win since losing to Dvalishvili last September. Meanwhile, new challengers like Cory Sandhagen are making waves. After defeating Deiveson Figueiredo in May, Sandhagen seems poised for a title shot.
“Right now, Cory Sandhagen looks like the clear contender,” Dvalishvili noted during UFC 316 media day. “We’ve never fought, and he’s beaten a lot of top guys in this division.”
Fans are eager for this matchup, but the UFC’s decision is what truly matters. Dvalishvili, as champion, is ready to face whoever the UFC deems the next best.
Sandhagen boasts a 4-1 record in his last five fights, with his only loss to Umar Nurmagomedov, who Dvalishvili already defeated. This makes Sandhagen a prime candidate for a title shot if Dvalishvili triumphs at UFC 316.
Another potential contender is Patchy Mix, making his UFC debut against Mario Bautista. Both fighters are on impressive winning streaks, and the victor could make a significant leap in the division.
Mix and Dvalishvili share a history of training together. Though they’re friends, Dvalishvili insists it won’t be like his situation with Aljamain Sterling, where they refused to fight each other.
“Patchy Mix is a great fighter,” Dvalishvili said. “We’re friends, but if the time comes, we’ll fight. It’s nothing personal.”
Another intriguing possibility is current flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, who has hinted at moving up to bantamweight. Pantoja faces Kai-Kara France at UFC 317, but Dvalishvili is open to welcoming him to a new division.
“Yes, he’s a respectful champion,” Dvalishvili remarked about Pantoja. “If he moves up, I’ll fight whoever the UFC chooses for me.”
First, Dvalishvili must get past O’Malley again. O’Malley is reportedly more focused, having quit social media and other distractions. “I’m ready for the best version of Sean O’Malley,” Dvalishvili declared.