Merab Dvalishvili Rages Cageside at UFC 299 as Sean O’Malley Defies Dana White’s Promise With Ilia Topuria Call-Out

Sean O’Malley put on a striking show in outclassing and defeating Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera via unanimous decision at their UFC 299 main event bout. Present ringside was Merab Dvalishvili, who Dana White confirmed as the official number-one contender for the bantamweight title after his spectacular UFC 298 win over Henry Cejudo.

And the Georgian was not happy with Sean O’Malley calling out featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who has been involved in a feud with ‘Suga’ over the past two years and had asked fans after winning the 135-pound title if they would be interested in watching him fight O’Malley.

Dvalishvili railed at ‘Suga’ for not calling him out after winning despite his status as the next title contender. “I’m so pi**ed, he didn’t call me out. Come on bro, I’m number one contender fight me,” Dvalsihvili was caught saying to the camera following O’Malley’s post-fight interview.

Sean O’Malley clarifies he is willing to face Dvalishvili next

After his dominant UFC 299 victory, Sean O’Malley called on Dana White and the UFC to let him fight Ilia Topuria next. “Dana, give me a jet to Spain baby, I’m coming for Ilia Topuria. I want Ilia baby, give me Ilia,” ‘Suga’ said in the post-fight octagon interview.

Read More: Dana, give me a jet to Spain baby, I’m coming for Ilia Topuria.” He said. “. . . I want Ilia baby, give me Ilia.”

While Dana White has expressed his reluctance at the prospect given that O’Malley and Topuria have yet to clear out their own division and fight the contenders in their respective weight classes, it seems Topuria and O’Malley are both on board, as are many fans.

However, the bantamweight champion was quick to point out in his post-fight press conference that while a Topuria fight would be his first preference, he was ready to face Merab Dvalishvili next if so ordained by the UFC.

Their bout would be an interesting one stylistically. O’Malley, yet again proved that he is perhaps the best striker in the UFC at the moment. On the other hand, Dvalishvili has shown his world-class wrestling prowess with his victory over former Olympic Wrestling gold medallist Henry Cejudo last month. In a classic grappler vs. striker matchup, their fight will come down to who can impose their game plan better against their opponent. Who do you think Sean O’Malley should fight next?

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