The next chapter in Merab Dvalishvili and the feud of Sean O'Malley goes on UFC 316.
After taking away the American from the Bantamweight Throne in 2024, DvalishVili will now defend his title against O'Malley in a Rematch.
Their second dance heads UFC 316 in the Prudential Center of Newark on Saturday 7 June, where another Bantamweight Title fight will also take place in the form of the defense of Julianna Pena against Kayla Harrison.
In the main event, DvalishVili has the task of beating O'Malley for the second time in just eight months. But the interactions of the couple date far beyond the run -up to their first confrontation.
'The machine' had even set 'Sugar' at the start of his record -breaking profit reak.
Merab Dvalishvili called Sean O'Malley after his very first UFC victory
After the difficult 0-2 start of Dvalishhvili in the UFC, he finally came on the board in September 2018.
During a UFC Fight Night event in Moscow, the Georgian hunter shared the cage with Terrion Ware, who were two fights removed from a decision against O'Malley.
Were fell on the same fate against Dvalishvili, who used his time on the microphone after the fight to call one of the most hyped undefeated prospects of the promotion-sugar 'Sean O'Malley.
“Sean O'Malley, keep smoking and I keep training, and we'll see who is better.”
Dvalishvili later expanded the callout during a backstage media scrum, with respect for O'Malley and his skills.
“He is a great hunter and I want to fight with great boys,” said Dvalishvili. “I'm not afraid of anyone. And I know I can stop this guy. I'm not afraid of loss. I want to show a good fight with everyone.
“I want to fight. I can fight any position-up, ground and pound. I am a good hunter. That's all I want. That's why I wanted Sean O'Malley, because he is a great hunter.”
Merab Dvalishvili has another chance to 'stop' Sean O'Malley
Almost everything went around O'Malley Dvalishvili the first time. Perhaps the only negative for the Georgian was the lack of a finish, as he had predicted six years earlier.
That is something that the Georgian wants to correct in the rematch on UFC 316.
And more than just a finish, DvalishVili suggested during the UFC 316 Countdown show that he could watch the fight in the O'Malley's wheelhouse.
“He is always looking for a finish,” said Dvalishvili.
“He wants to disable you. I'm just going to strike and switch it off.”
O'Malley would have largely arrived at UFC 306 and had limited opportunities to look for a knockout, would undoubtedly welcome more stand-up exchanges.
Whether or not 'the machine' extends on its striking pest, however, can still be seen.