135lbs kingpin Merab Dvalishvili has solidified his position as an all-timer after his ungodly, cardio-heavy triumph against ‘Team Khabib’ scion Umar Nurmagomedov. Employing clever mind games, the Georgian dragged Nurmagomedov into a grueling five-round war, sapping his “gas tank” and extending his impressive win streak to 12 fights.

With previous victories over high-profile fighters like Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo, Dvalishvili once again entered UFC 311 as an underdog. Yet, by the end of the fight, he had defied expectations, showcasing an “invincible” edge that left fans and analysts in awe. Now, with 2025’s first PPV in the books, the Georgian is turning his attention to a highly anticipated rematch against former champion Sean O’Malley, who is currently nursing an injury and eying a comeback.

The burning question remains: can Dvalishvili deliver another dominant performance against ‘Suga’? According to the Georgian’s coach, John Wood, the answer is a confident yes. The coach highlighted the champ’s impressive progress, emphasizing how, in just “six weeks,” he returned stronger than ever after recovering from an injury to face the Dagestani phenom.

Speaking to Submission Radio, John Wood expressed his belief in the Georgian’s ability to triumph in a rematch. “I just don’t see anybody beating him [Merab]. I really don’t. You know, everybody can get knocked out on any night, and that’s the only way—if the lucky punch lands. And I don’t… and I say lucky, you know, it’s a skilled punch, but you move the wrong way into something, you do this, you do that. But honestly, my guess is if we fight O’Malley again, he [Merab] finishes him [Sean].”

O’Malley, once reigning supreme in the MMA world, faced a devastating setback last September at the historic UFC 306 event at The Sphere. He not only lost his bantamweight title to Dvalishvili but also sustained a torn labrum in his hip during fight camp. This double blow forced ‘Suga’ into an extended hiatus. Now, fully healed and rejuvenated, he’s determined to reclaim his crown in a rematch against ‘The Machine’. But how will he make it happen?

How is Sean O’Malley preparing for his rematch against Merab Dvalishvili?

For Sean O’Malley, the potential upcoming rematch against Merab Dvalishvili isn’t just about settling the score—it’s a career-defining moment that could shape his future in the division and the UFC. Determined to be fully prepared, the former champion is making significant lifestyle changes to ensure he’s at his best when the time comes.

In a recent UFC Instagram post, O’Malley shared his unconventional New Year’s resolution: “No s-x till the next fight.” But that’s not all. He has also committed to a digital ‘detox’, stepping away from mobile devices and social media until his next bout, which is likely to take place in early 2025.

Explaining his decision on the Timbo Sugar Show podcast, where he appeared alongside his coach and co-host Tim Welch, O’Malley opened up about the benefits of disconnecting: “I said I was going to start in 2025, but I just kind of… It feels good. It’s been probably, like, two, three days. But I already feel just less—or more disconnected from the internet universe, the universe internet.”

During this self-imposed break from the digital world, O’Malley is channeling his energy into self-improvement. He’s spending his time reading, writing, and focusing on personal growth to better understand and embrace himself.  What are your thoughts on the rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and ‘Suga’? Do you believe the Georgian can replicate his previous performance against “Suga,” or will the former champ get the chance to settle the score this time? Share your opinion below.