So the best base for getting a title rematch in the UFC is to get mauled in the initial outing? Noted! Well, this was the initial sentiment of fans as UFC 316’s headliner was made official by Dana White on his Instagram handle. Everyone and their grandma knows that Sean O’Malley got decimated by Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306. Moreover, Dvalishvili’s showboating and ‘kisses’ left O’Malley visibly frustrated under the bright lights of the Sphere. Despite trying to fend off ‘The Machine’ with teep kicks and jabs, the damage was done early. Merab’s relentless pressure and dominant grappling exchanges saw him cruise through the opening rounds, leaving O’Malley with too much ground to cover in the later stages.
However, O’Malley has already declared he would be “70% better” than he was the last time he stepped into the Octagon. That bold claim alone has raised eyebrows and expectations alike, as the former champ prepares to face the Georgian juggernaut yet again. While fans speculated on the reasons behind O’Malley’s defeat, UFC legend Chael Sonnen offered a perspective of his own. He believes the former champ was weighed down by pressure—too much to lose, and not enough room to breathe. Now, with O’Malley stepping into the rematch as the challenger, the roles—and perhaps the outcome—could look very different.
In this YouTube video, ‘The American Gangster’ said, “It will be a very different fight. Sean’s going to enjoy this fight a lot more. The pressures that were put on O’Malley and the way that fight came around was razor-thin. But, everything to lose was on O’Malley, everything was expected of him. If Sean is not the sport’s biggest star, if he’s not, he might be! He has two numbers from two gates, last year to support that he in fact is! O’Malley is not a contender, you can’t just put him in the contender’s match.”
He further added, “You’re not gonna put him on anything that’s not a pay-per-view. You wouldn’t expect that for Alex Pereira, you wouldn’t expect that at the return of Conor McGregor. You gotta think of Sean in that same light, cause he is. If you’re gonna do a rematch, you gotta be able to answer one question, and it doesn’t matter what your answer is, as long as you believe it. But the answer to that question is, what’s gonna be different this time? As I look at Merab vs. O’Malley, a second time, I can tell you a lot of things are different.”
September 14, 2024, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: SEAN OÃââ MALLEY and MERAB DVALISHVILI fight in their 5-round Bantamweight Title Main Event at UFC 306 Riyadh Season Noche UFC at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Las Vegas USA – ZUMAs346 20240914_zsp_s346_014 Copyright: xAlejandroxSalazarx
Sonnen effectively explained why Sean O’Malley deserves a rematch. The former bantamweight champion has indeed generated significant Gate revenue for the promotion with UFC 299 and UFC 306 ranking among the top-ten highest-grossing events of all time. Given this, it makes sense for the UFC to grant him an immediate title shot. But, how does being a pressureless challenger help him to win the anticipated rematch against the current champion? Only time can reveal!
O’Malley has revealed that he has made some lifestyle changes along with adjustments to his training. He is leaving behind his vices to avenge his significant loss. However, a familiar former rival has questioned his approach.
Aljamain Sterling questions Sean O’Malley’s transformed lifestyle ahead of UFC 316
Fighting in a cage is no easy task for any athlete. It takes a lot of dedication, and let’s be honest, it demands sacrifices. That’s why it’s so impressive to see someone like Sean O’Malley stepping up and leaving behind habits that were holding him back. He has made the conscious choice to part ways with those distractions to get back into that championship mentality. No video games, no social media, no recreational activities! It’s all part of his journey as he prepares to take on one of the biggest challenges of his career. You have to admire that level of commitment!
However, Aljamain Sterling, who was O’Malley’s former rival and the fighter he beat to win the bantamweight belt, had a different take on the situation. He suggested that O’Malley’s change of lifestyle would not make a difference against his best friend Merab Dvalishvili.
Sterling, on his YouTube video, said, “So which part did it say, ‘Yeah, and I added in wrestling training sessions. I mean, of course, maybe he is. It’s just funny that everyone made such a big thing, ‘Oh he’s changing his life, he’s giving up Mary Jane. I’m like, those are the things that technically made you who you are and a champion. So, for someone to tell me to go cold turkey, no more drinking, no edibles, nothing, I’m going to look at them like, ‘This is what got me here, why would I stop?”
Do you think Sean O’Malley can redeem his loss at UFC 316? Please comment below.
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