The hype around UFC 306 is unreal. The crowd that appeared for the pre-fight press conference showed how excited the fight fans were to watch the UFC step into the Sphere. However, a shadow has seemingly enveloped the main event for Riyadh Season Noche UFC, as talks about Sean O’Malley considering pulling out of the bout spread across the internet.

Is it really happening? Will Merab Dvalishvili be left without an opponent at UFC? Well, that’s what some sources have revealed.

Is Sean O’Malley not fighting Merab Dvalishvili?

The world of mixed martial arts received a tremendous blow as the talks of the bantamweight champion putting the main event for UFC 306 in jeopardy went viral on social media. Spinning Backfist took to X and revealed, “BREAKING: Sean O’Malley is “seriously considering” pulling out of UFC 306’s Main Event due to “personal reasons”, per multiple sources.” 

On top of that, the post also hinted at the MMA promotion searching for replacements for the bantamweight champion. The post continued, “Several fighters have been contacted by the UFC as possible replacements, including Rob Font and Dominick Cruz.” 

However, no official statements have been made by ‘Suga’, and his appearance at the pre-fight press conference was proof that these talks are nothing but mere rumors. Soon after the tweet was added to the social media platform, O’Malley’s coach and former mixed martial artist, Tim Welch, confirmed it wasn’t true. He replied to the post with a laughing emoji and a blue cap emoji. The rivalry that the duo has developed has raised the excitement of the fighting community to great heights. And the entire world lies in wait to witness the battle at the Sphere. 

So you need a bit more proof of why ‘Suga’ won’t be pulling out? All the pointers aim at him, trying to surpass the bar set by his idol (former), Conor McGregor.

Conor McGregor is the reason why ‘Suga’ will fight at UFC 306

‘Suga’ has been chasing the ‘Mystic Mac’ ever since he became a fan of the Irishman. After all, it was indeed McGregor who pulled O’Malley into the realm of mixed martial arts. The former UFC double champion has established a high standard with his popularity. But all O’Malley needs to do to eclipse McGregor’s legacy with his own is defeat Dvalishvili in his upcoming fight.

During the media day for Riyadh Season Noche UFC, O’Malley said, “I think I’m very close. I think Conor’s still got one more big fight in him because of the big question mark of if Conor can come back? Can he actually beat [Michael] Chandler?”

Both O’Malley and McGregor are dominant strikers with an itch to finish their fights. And the bantamweight champion does look forward to repeating his finishing trend by knocking out the bantamweight #1 fighter at UFC 306. This implies that there is no chance of O’Malley pulling out of the fight.

What are your thoughts on the rumors of O’Malley’s withdrawal from UFC 306? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.