Sean O’Malley has upended the UFC bantamweight division. After his unexpected victory over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292, he has expressed his wish to fight Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera and avenge the only loss on his record.
However, #1 ranked bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili, who had refused to fight close friend and training partner Aljamain Sterling, has called out O’Malley. Speaking to ‘MMA FIGHTING’ on YouTube, the Georgian said he wants to fight O’Malley in December, the same time Conor McGregor is expected to make his comeback. And fans reacted to Dvalishvili’s call-out.
Even if I have to fight with one hand: Merab Dvalishvili on fight with Sean O’Malley
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On being asked if he would be ready to fight Sean O’Malley in December, Dvalishvili expressed absolute confidence he would, even if he is injured, as he is a warrior. He pointed out that he was injured before fighting Petr Yan, but still won.
“Yes, one thousand percent, I’ll be ready [for December]. Even if I have to fight with one hand, I’ll fight with one hand. I’m a warrior. I was injured before the Petr Yan fight, I still fought. I still won. I’m a warrior, and I’ll fight anybody,” Dvalishvili said.
Merab Dvalishvili says he’d be ready to fight Sean O’Malley in December 👀
“I stole his jacket, so let’s see if I can steal his belt now.”
(via @DamonMartin) pic.twitter.com/C3913mkfjk
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) August 24, 2023
He said that it doesn’t look like the rematch with ‘Aljo’ is happening soon, so he should get the shot next as the number-one-ranked bantamweight.
“But now if Aljo is not coming back soon, and they’re not making the rematch any time soon, I’m the guy to fight Sean. I stole his jacket, so let’s see if I can steal his belt now,” he added
Fans react to Dvalishvili calling out Sean O’Malley
However, fans were not thrilled at the prospect of a potential Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley fight next. Many of them expressed their views in the comments. Here is a selection of what the fans had to say.
One fan felt the fight would be boring given the Georgian’s record:
“Can’t wait to see Mr. 16 wins 12 by decision fight”
Another felt it was unfair he refused to fight Sterling and now wants an immediate title shot:
“Something don’t sit right with me about refusing to fight the champ, and then expecting to be first in line as soon as that champ isn’t there anymore”
Another felt he should fight ‘Aljo’ first:
“Make him fight Aljo
-Merab has only 1 finish in UFC
-Lost 2 times in UFC.
-He refuse to fight for the title before because Sterling is his ”friend” when they are not even from the same country, then UFC and O’Malley can refuse to fight him as well for the same personal preference”
One user expressed his disinterest with a simple yawning emoji
Another called him the most boring UFC fighter:
“The most boring fighter in the UFC roster”
Another felt he should wait as he didn’t want to fight Sterling:
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“Bro didn’t wanna fight his boyfriend for the belt, now he can wait some more”
One fan wanted to see O’Malley fight Vera next instead of Dvalishvili:
“Chito please”
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Clearly, fans do not relish the idea of Dvalishvili facing ‘Sugar’ for the title next. Nor, it seems do O’Malley or even the UFC. The promotion was reportedly miffed by the Georgian’s refusal to fight ‘Aljo’. Who do you think O’Malley’s next opponent should be? Let us know in the comments section below.
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