Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili are showing mutual respect as they prepare for their rumored title-fight rematch.
After Dvalishvili defeated O’Malley at UFC 306 to claim the bantamweight championship, he went on to successfully defend his title against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 in January.
UFC CEO Dana White has hinted at a potential rematch between Dvalishvili and O’Malley. The two fighters recently crossed paths at the UFC Performance Institute, where O’Malley complimented Dvalishvili on his performance against Nurmagomedov.
“Your last fight was impressive, you looked good,” O’Malley praised on his YouTube channel. “That was a fun fight to watch. That was very fun.”
Dvalishvili returned the respect towards O’Malley, acknowledging his opponent’s strength and ability to adapt in their upcoming fight.
“I respect you, man, as a fighter,” Dvalishvili stated. “When we’re going to fight, I know you hit hard, and I know you’re going to change your plan.”
Following his loss to Dvalishvili, O’Malley underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip, an injury that hindered him during their previous bout.
“I only had one hip last time,” O’Malley quipped. “I’ve got both hips now.”
Dvalishvili emphasized his intention to showcase his striking skills in the rematch, a statement that O’Malley took in stride.
“Now I’m going to use my striking,” Dvalishvili declared. “You think no? You think I’m not? Bro, you see me fight with Umar? I was striking.”
While a title-fight rematch between Dvalishvili and O’Malley seems likely, the date and location are yet to be confirmed.
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