Sean O’Malley lost to Merab Dvalishvili in a UFC 316 rematch, with Dvalishvili defending his bantamweight title through a third-round submission, leaving O’Malley to express disappointment but determination to return stronger.
Sean O’Malley faced another tough loss against Merab Dvalishvili, leaving him with little to say post-fight. The UFC 316 main event saw Dvalishvili defend his bantamweight title with a third-round submission, repeating his victory from UFC 306.
O’Malley showed improvement in defending against Dvalishvili’s relentless takedowns. Yet, the champion managed to ground him, neutralizing his striking prowess. Dvalishvili’s wrestling wore O’Malley down, finishing with a choke just as Round 3 closed.
After the fight, O’Malley expressed his disappointment, acknowledging Dvalishvili’s skill. “I didn’t feel like it was going to go like that, unfortunately it did,” he admitted. He thanked fans, expressing gratitude for their support.
“I have a two-week-old, a four-year-old, and a perfect wife at home,” O’Malley shared, eager to return to his family. Despite the loss, he remained positive, albeit calling Merab a formidable opponent.
The rematch raised eyebrows among fighters, given O’Malley hadn’t fought since their last encounter. Their first bout ended with a decision win for Dvalishvili, and this time, the champion needed even less time to secure victory.
At 30, O’Malley faces a challenging climb back in the bantamweight division. His future remains uncertain, but he’s determined to return stronger. “A hundred percent,” he assured interviewer Joe Rogan, promising fans they’ll see him again.