Sean O’Malley’s second title protection because the UFC bantamweight champion can be one to recollect.
The “Sugar Present” takes heart stage towards surging high contender Merab Dvalishvili because the featured attraction atop the “one-time ever” Las Vegas Sphere occasion for Noche UFC on Sept. 14. The Mexican Independence Day particular is predicted to be not like something ever seen earlier than as an MMA occasion and the slow-burning rivalry getting the primary occasion slot is simply what O’Malley hoped for.
After profitable a file 10 in a row at bantamweight, Dvalishvili (17-4) lastly will get his crack at UFC gold. Sadly for him, in response to O’Malley (18-1, 1 NC), the champion isn’t going to play good and expects an final result that rapidly results in a promotional departure for “The Machine.”
“There’s little beefs all over,” O’Malley stated on Believe You Me. “On the finish of the day, he’s simply one other opponent. It’s gonna be one other knockout, highlight-reel for the ‘Sugar Present.’ I really feel unhealthy for him as a result of he’s been this near the belt for a very long time, and he’s simply not fairly gonna get there, and it’s due to me. So, there’s a bit little bit of guilt there.
“Perhaps I’ll transfer as much as ‘45, and I believe he may take out the division, however to be trustworthy, I believe I’m gonna make him look silly. I’m gonna make him look beginner, and I don’t understand how for much longer he can be within the UFC.”
O’Malley made his first protection in a rematch towards Marlon “Chito” Vera at UFC 299 in Might. The unanimous choice win was a one-sided masterclass of redemption for O’Malley, profitable all 5 rounds on the judges’ scorecards.
Dvalishvili has majorly placed on a dominant effort throughout his profitable streak as effectively, simply together with his robust wrestling sport quite than placing opponents away. He’s teased placing greater than wrestling with the champion, however nobody, O’Malley included, buys what he’s promoting. Regardless of the route taken by the challenger, “Sugar” sees it ending poorly on this matchup.
“It’s form of a lose-lose for him,” O’Malley stated. “Him attempting to wrestle is what’s gonna get him knocked out, but in addition him attempting to strike with me isn’t actually gonna go his manner both. So, it’s form of a sh*t place for Merab to be in having to battle me for the title.
“If I present up Sept. 14 at The Sphere like I did towards ‘Aljo’ (Aljamain Sterling), like I did towards ‘Chito,’ I beat Merab. I’m superb at displaying up when the second issues essentially the most.”
TOP STORIES
Bizarre. Dana White defends Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic battle: ‘I should just sh*t on Stipe because Jon got hurt?’
Recap. DWCS Season 8, Week 3 results: 4 fighters obtain contracts, Dana White books a rematch for future episode
Counter. Matt Brown argues ‘if anybody is to blame for fighter pay, it’s the fighters — and I’m one in all them’
BMF. Max Holloway: ‘A lot of people laughed, but we’ll see who gets the last laugh’ at UFC 308
Clapback. ‘How disrespectful are they?’: Kamaru Usman reacts to UFC followers who say he’s ‘washed’
Limbo. Demetrious Johnson ‘not officially retired’ however says MMA ‘isn’t on my thoughts proper now’
Subsequent. Ex-UFC fighter Mariya Agapova signs with BKFC
Evaluation. Robert Whittaker: Dricus du Plessis could look ‘like a pub fighter,’ however Alex Pereira dealing with him at 185 is a nasty thought
Comeback. ‘I was seen as just a punching bag’: Marco Tulio returns to DWCS for a second likelihood to impress
Onward. Igor Severino signs with Oktagon MMA after UFC launch for biting opponent
Confidence. Joe Rogan defends Jake Paul battle: 58-year-old Mike Tyson ‘can still knock your head into another dimension’
LET’S WATCH
Dana White Publish-Contender Collection Scrum.
Younger Sean.
Full fights.
O’Malley’s fantasy manufacturing facility.
Arnold’s meals tour.
MORNING MUSIC
Go to Twitter, use the #MorningReport hashtag, or discover one in all my tweets with it, and drop me a jam you’re at present actually into. I’ll decide one of the best one alongside my each day alternative and offer you a shoutout! It’s also possible to share within the feedback beneath — these are simply more durable to sift by typically!
This month’s full playlist:
SOCIAL SCROLL DOWN
Bionic Bisping.
At it once more.
Smiles.
Shade.
Changes…
Ankalaev isn’t impressed.
Any person actually need to talk with this man Jiri, his file is 4-2 within the UFC, many guys within the high 25 would beat him he isn’t this good
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) August 27, 2024
Your Tuesday highlights.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Jonathan Pearce (14-6) vs. Pat Sabatini (18-5); UFC Vegas 98, Oct. 12
Brad Katona (14-3) vs. Jean Matsumoto (15-0); UFC Vegas 99, Oct. 19
Myktybek Orolbai (13-1-1) vs. Mateusz Rębecki (19-2); UFC 308, Oct. 26
Mike Malott (10-2-1) vs. Trevin Giles (16-6); UFC Edmonton, Nov. 2
Nikita Krylov (30-9) vs. Azamat Murzakanov (14-0); UFC 309, Nov. 16
Tracy Cortez (11-2) vs. Miranda Maverick (14-5); UFC Tampa, Dec. 4
FINAL THOUGHTS
I believe with O’Malley vs. Merab it’s very doubtless it will likely be one-sided in both path. Not anticipating an all-out instantaneous basic in that one however I hope I’m mistaken.
Thanks for studying!
EXIT POLL
Ballot
Will Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili go the space?
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