Sean O’Malley could also be out of the title race in the meanwhile after shedding to present champion Merab Dvalishvili twice in a row however he’s by no means removed from the dialog.
With Dvalishvili defending his title in opposition to Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320 on Oct. 4, O’Malley understandably has a vested curiosity in whoever comes out the winner. On paper, Sandhagen profitable would clear the way in which for O’Malley to doubtlessly get one other shot at profitable UFC gold. Nevertheless, he didn’t himself into that debate when providing his trustworthy breakdown concerning the upcoming battle.
“I fought Merab twice, beat him as soon as, misplaced to him as soon as. Simply kidding,” O’Malley stated on his YouTube channel. “Wrestling versus striker. Cory’s obtained actually good wrestling scrambles. He did actually good in opposition to Umar [Nurmagomedov]. He saved his hips excessive, he was in a position to scramble very effectively. I wouldn’t say he actually gassed however he undoubtedly obtained slightly bit drained whereas Merab, he simply doesn’t get drained. He actually simply doesn’t and he’s freakishly robust.
“I’m curious to see how these scrambles go. Cory’s effectively versed within the 50-50 [position] and the leg sport so I’m curious if he’ll trigger scrambles that method. Possibly threaten some submissions that approach to the place Merab will get uncomfortable and perhaps shoots much less. I’m curious to see how that performs out.”
O’Malley understands this matchup effectively not solely as a result of he’s spent two fights within the octagon going in opposition to Dvalishvili. He additionally sees himself as having the same physique sort and elegance in comparison with Sandhagen.
After he struggled to maintain Dvalishvili off him with quite a few takedowns earlier than finally getting choked out of their rematch, O’Malley is aware of simply how effectively the reigning bantamweight champion can adapt his fashion when dealing with a taller, longer striker. That’s a problem Sandhagen has to beat if he has any hope of dethroning Dvalishvili.
“As a striker, Cory and I’ve comparable types in a way in laborious to take down, good timing and I believed watching Merab on the display, not having him in entrance of you, you suppose he seems like of sloppy, he seems such as you’re going to have the ability to stuff his photographs or not even be there when he shoots however that little Georgian finds a method,” O’Malley stated.
“It’s laborious for my wrap my head [around], who do I believe’s going to win? I believe it’s a f*cking coin flip. If I needed to guess, if Merab goes on the market and grabs a maintain of him, I believe Cory’s going to be stunned how robust that little Georgian feels. But additionally I may very well be utterly fallacious. Cory might go on the market and hit some stunning scrambles and make Merab look foolish.”
Sadly for O’Malley, he had the same opinion about how he matched up with Dvalishvili and he was confirmed fallacious two completely different occasions. That doesn’t imply O’Malley is simply giving up on doubtlessly fixing that puzzle sooner or later down the highway.
“I actually believed I used to be going to go on the market and make Merab look silly,” O’Malley stated. “I’m so delusional that I nonetheless consider I can try this.
“Max Holloway beat Dustin [Poirier] of their third battle. Misplaced the primary two. So by no means say by no means.”
That stated, O’Malley definitely received’t rely out Sandhagen, particularly on condition that he considers the upcoming title challenger a extra gifted martial artist than the champion. Dvalishvili might not have the flashiest résumé on the subject of his performances or highlight-reel victories, however he at all times finds a approach to get the job completed.
“When it comes all the way down to total who’s the extra expert fighter, prime to backside, I believe Cory is,” O’Malley stated. “However typically that doesn’t matter when you could have a man like Merab who will shoot and alter ranges and throw stuff. It seems sloppy. After I was watching movie on him, you take a look at it and it seems sloppy. You’re like OK, I can catch him right here, catch him right here. He stunned me twice. I wasn’t in a position to crack him, wasn’t in a position to catch him. I do suppose he’ll shock Cory slightly bit however I additionally wouldn’t be stunned if Cory surprises Merab on his wrestling protection and his scramble means and simply battle IQ generally.
“As of proper now, Merab Dvalishvili is the No. 1 bantamweight of all time. It’s thrilling for him to remain lively like he needed to.”
