Bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili is perhaps the best matchup in the UFC at the moment. After all, O’Malley is arguably the best striker in the promotion, and his distance management and footwork is second to none in the history of the sport — not Anderson Silva or even a prime Conor McGregor.

On the other hand, Dvalishvili is not only among the best current wrestlers in the UFC but as his moniker, ‘The Machine’ suggests, has an inexhaustible gas tank and almost super-human spirit and psyche. And that is why Joe Rogan is so hyped for their UFC Noche (306) clash on September 14 at the iconic ‘Sphere’ in Las Vegas. This excitement on the part of the UFC commentator is apparent in the comments he has made while calling their fights, which was compiled on the UFC 306 Countdown video on YouTube.

“How many bantamweights are looking at this right now going ‘that [Merab] is a nightmare’… This guy [O’Malley] can fight, he is a sniper. This kid is a savage…Merab is an absolute monster… The speed of O’Malley is something to behold,” Rogan could be heard saying in the video.

Particularly impressive to the long-time UFC commentator was Dvalishvili’s indomitable spirit and ability to dominate his opponents seemingly through sheer force of will, which would be a big test for the champ’s incredible speed and striking ability.

And while many are expecting the fight to be a classic wrestler vs. striker matchup which is as old as the sport itself, ‘The Machine’ has different plans, which could either make him a superstar overnight or be a complete disaster for him.

Merab Dvalishvili plans to strike with Sean O’Malley

Sean O’Malley may be the sharpest striker in the UFC—perhaps even in all of MMA—but that hasn’t stopped Merab Dvalishvili from wanting to test his stand-up game against ‘Suga.’ In recent interviews, the Georgian powerhouse confidently declared that he believes he can knock O’Malley out. Yes, you heard that right—‘The Machine’ is so sure of his striking that he’s willing to trade punches with one of the deadliest precision strikers in the game.

But here’s the kicker: if Dvalishvili sticks to that game plan, he might be playing right into O’Malley’s hands. Merab’s grappling is his greatest asset, the relentless pressure that breaks opponents, and yet he seems ready to abandon it to prove a point on the feet. Is this just a mind game? Or is he genuinely planning to stand and bang with O’Malley, despite the glaring mismatch in striking skills? After all, Dvalishvili is ranked among the best bantamweights in the world for a reason, and his grit and determination are second to none.

Sure, O’Malley’s technical prowess, timing, and precision are on a different level. He’s made elite fighters look like amateurs in the striking department, and even he believes Merab’s “dumba–” will quickly regret choosing to engage on the feet. But this is MMA—the sport where the unpredictable becomes reality. Dvalishvili’s indomitable drive, coupled with his unshakable confidence, makes him a dangerous wildcard. You can never count out a fighter with that kind of intensity, and while it may seem like a long shot, ‘The Machine’ could very well shock the world by besting O’Malley in his own domain.

What happens when two completely different styles collide in the most unpredictable sport on Earth? UFC 306 will deliver the answer, and you won’t want to miss it. Let the predictions begin!