We are just two weeks away from witnessing either a new champion being crowned or another successful title defense by Sean O’Malley, as the 135 lbs champion is set to defend his belt against Merab Dvalishvili for the second time this year. O’Malley has been the boogeyman of the division as his pin-point striking has taken most of his opponents off-guard. ‘Sug͏a͏’s’ last per͏f͏͏or͏͏m͏anc͏e aga͏inst Marlo͏n V͏era wa͏s ͏his b͏est yet. W͏ith ͏͏striki͏n͏g ability͏ nea͏rin͏g ͏pe͏rfe͏ction, can͏ Dval͏ishvi͏li s͏ubd͏ue ‘Suga’? ͏͏His ͏͏coach͏ ͏may ha͏ve ͏t͏h͏e ans͏w͏er to t͏h͏is qu͏estio͏n.

Their fight is a battle of p͏olar opposit͏es. While Sean O’Malley’s ͏striking abi͏lities h͏av͏e the potential͏ to end th͏e m͏atch q͏uickly͏, Merab Dvalishvili predominantly rel͏ies͏ on͏ wrestling an͏d ai͏ms͏ to͏ take the fight to the last͏ round͏. Well, ahead of their fated clash, ‘Machine’s coach has come forward to give a highlight of their preparedness.

Sean O’Malley warned as Merab Dvalishvili is training alongside world-class strikers

Merab Dvalishvili has the biggest fight of his career ahead of his eyes as the 135 lbs title contender is just moments away from getting the bantamweight gold but he has a single obstacle in his way in the shape of Sean O’Malley. So, how is ‘Machine’ training himself to fight his nemesis? Well, according to Syndicate head coach, John Wood, the fighter has been embroiled in an intense training regimen including world-class strikers to counter Sean O’Malley.

While having a conversation with ‘Red Corner MMA’, Merab Dvalishvili’s Las Vegas coach, John Wood explained that the fighter has been training to counter O’Malley but it doesn’t involve him letting go of his wrestling. The coach further stated that Sean O’Malley is a world-class fighter, but he will have to bite the dust against ‘Machine, “We have never seen Sean get pressured enough to where he breaks, but when you start to pressure him, there is a level of—you know, he does get tired, he does start to get a little—whatever,”  said John Wood.

He further added, “But he’s very composed, you know, he’s a world champion for a reason. So it’s not like you pressure Sean and he just goes to shit. If Merab can do—Merab, here’s the deal. We’ve got guys that are world-class strikers. We’ve got a guy in here right now that’s a world champion striker who’s on a level of sniping just like O’Malley’s. He’s like him, he’s doing things. There’s a lot of really good strikers (here). I’m not saying he is O’Malley, you know, but um, we’ve got a lot of guys that can emulate that.”

Well, Sean O’Malley can get you to the pain zone if he catches you off guard, all Merab Dvalishvili has to do is keep his distance and make sure to not let O’Malley content his punches. If we talk about the odds then both fighters have an equal footing (Dvalishvili -125 odds and O’Malley +105). However, what are the experts thinking about the match-up? Let us find out.

Former bantamweight champion predicts the outcome of UFC 306 main event

UFC 306 would witness the high-stakes match between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. The MMA community is rather divided when it comes to predicting the outcome of the clash. Many people believe that ‘Suga’ would replicate the dominant performance that he showcased against Marlon Vera, while on the other hand, many fans believe that Dvalishvili would oust him but whom to believe? Well, according to former bantamweight champion, Henry Cejudo, ‘Machine’ has an upper hand in the combat.

While in conversation on MMAJunkie, Cejudo revealed, that Merab Dvalishvili would win against Sean O’Malley, “This is my prediction. Merab Dvalishvili is going to stop Sean O’Malley at the Sphere. He’s going to beat him. He’s going to either 50-45 him, maybe not 50-45 because he may lose the first two rounds or the first one at least. He’s going to beat him, but once Umar (Nurmagomedov) comes in, he’s just going to have his way with Merab. He really is. Umar is really good, really technical.”

It must be noted that Henry Cejudo’s last match was against Merab Dvalishvili as well and he understands what kind of a monster is he. If we were to talk about the fight then ‘Machine’ completely dominated Cejudo and took the victory by way of unanimous decision.

In addition to that being the former bantamweight as well as former flyweight champion and having faced Dvalishvili, Henry Cejudo understands the game pretty well, and his assessment might have some validity after all. Nonetheless, what’s your take on their fight? Do you expect a successful title defense or a new champion? State your thoughts in the comments below.