Sean O’Malley’s second title protection because the UFC bantamweight champion will likely be one to recollect.
The “Sugar Present” takes middle stage towards surging prime contender Merab Dvalishvili because the featured attraction atop the “one-time ever” Las Vegas Sphere occasion for Noche UFC on Sept. 14. The Mexican Independence Day particular is predicted to be not like something ever seen earlier than as an MMA occasion and the slow-burning rivalry getting the principle occasion slot is simply what O’Malley hoped for.
After profitable a file 10 in a row at bantamweight, Dvalishvili (17-4) lastly will get his crack at UFC gold. Sadly for him, in accordance with O’Malley (18-1, 1 NC), the champion isn’t going to play good and expects an consequence that shortly results in a promotional departure for “The Machine.”
“There’s little beefs in all places,” O’Malley stated on Consider You Me. “On the finish of the day, he’s simply one other opponent. It’s gonna be one other knockout, highlight-reel for the ‘Sugar Present.’ I really feel dangerous for him as a result of he’s been this near the belt for a very long time, and he’s simply not fairly gonna get there, and it’s due to me. So, there’s slightly little bit of guilt there.
“Possibly I’ll transfer as much as ‘45, and I feel he may take out the division, however to be sincere, I feel I’m gonna make him look silly. I’m gonna make him look novice, and I don’t understand how for much longer he will likely be within the UFC.”
O’Malley made his first protection in a rematch towards Marlon “Chito” Vera at UFC 299 in Might. The unanimous choice win was a one-sided masterclass of redemption for O’Malley, profitable all 5 rounds on the judges’ scorecards.
Dvalishvili has majorly placed on a dominant effort throughout his profitable streak as properly, simply along with his robust wrestling recreation fairly than placing opponents away. He’s teased putting greater than wrestling with the champion, however nobody, O’Malley included, buys what he’s promoting. Regardless of the route taken by the challenger, “Sugar” sees it ending poorly on this matchup.
“It’s sort of a lose-lose for him,” O’Malley stated. “Him attempting to wrestle is what’s gonna get him knocked out, but in addition him attempting to strike with me shouldn’t be actually gonna go his means both. So, it’s sort of a sh*t place for Merab to be in having to struggle me for the title.
“If I present up Sept. 14 at The Sphere like I did towards ‘Aljo’ (Aljamain Sterling), like I did towards ‘Chito,’ I beat Merab. I’m superb at exhibiting up when the second issues essentially the most.”
Bizarre. Dana White defends Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic struggle: ‘I ought to simply sh*t on Stipe as a result of Jon bought damage?’
Recap. DWCS Season 8, Week 3 outcomes: 4 fighters obtain contracts, Dana White books a rematch for future episode
Counter. Matt Brown argues ‘if anyone is responsible for fighter pay, it’s the fighters — and I’m considered one of them’
BMF. Max Holloway: ‘Lots of people laughed, however we’ll see who will get the final chortle’ at UFC 308
Clapback. ‘How disrespectful are they?’: Kamaru Usman reacts to UFC followers who say he’s ‘washed’
Limbo. Demetrious Johnson ‘not formally retired’ however says MMA ‘shouldn’t be on my thoughts proper now’
Subsequent. Ex-UFC fighter Mariya Agapova indicators with BKFC
Evaluation. Robert Whittaker: Dricus du Plessis could look ‘like a pub fighter,’ however Alex Pereira dealing with him at 185 is a nasty concept
Comeback. ‘I used to be seen as only a punching bag’: Marco Tulio returns to DWCS for a second probability to impress
Onward. Igor Severino indicators with Oktagon MMA after UFC launch for biting opponent
Confidence. Joe Rogan defends Jake Paul struggle: 58-year-old Mike Tyson ‘can nonetheless knock your head into one other dimension’
Dana White Submit-Contender Sequence Scrum.
Younger Sean.
Full fights.
O’Malley’s fantasy manufacturing facility.
Arnold’s meals tour.
Go to Twitter, use the #MorningReport hashtag, or discover considered one of my tweets with it, and drop me a jam you’re presently actually into. I’ll decide one of the best one alongside my day by day selection and offer you a shoutout! You may also share within the feedback under — these are simply tougher to sift by way of typically!
This month’s full playlist:
Bionic Bisping.
At it once more.
Smiles.
Shade.
Changes…
Ankalaev isn’t impressed.
Anyone actually need to talk with this man Jiri, his file is 4-2 within the UFC, many guys within the prime 25 would beat him he’s not this good
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) August 27, 2024
Your Tuesday highlights.
Jonathan Pearce (14-6) vs. Pat Sabatini (18-5); UFC Vegas 98, Oct. 12
Brad Katona (14-3) vs. Jean Matsumoto (15-0); UFC Vegas 99, Oct. 19
Myktybek Orolbai (13-1-1) vs. Mateusz Rębecki (19-2); UFC 308, Oct. 26
Mike Malott (10-2-1) vs. Trevin Giles (16-6); UFC Edmonton, Nov. 2
Nikita Krylov (30-9) vs. Azamat Murzakanov (14-0); UFC 309, Nov. 16
Tracy Cortez (11-2) vs. Miranda Maverick (14-5); UFC Tampa, Dec. 4
I feel with O’Malley vs. Merab it’s very probably it is going to be one-sided in both route. Not anticipating an all-out instantaneous traditional in that one however I hope I’m mistaken.
Thanks for studying!
Ballot
Will Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili go the gap?
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