Sean O’Malley is reportedly planning to transition to the featherweight division after consecutive defeats to Merab Dvalishvili in the bantamweight class. These back-to-back losses have diminished his chances of earning another title shot in the bantamweight category, prompting him to seek a fresh start at a higher weight.
Although O’Malley’s height provides him with a natural advantage in the bantamweight division, making the move to featherweight seems physically feasible. However, this change could introduce new challenges that may hinder his career progress rather than enhance it.
Merab Dvalishvili’s Team Urges O’Malley to Remain in Bantamweight
Merab Dvalishvili’s coaching staff believes O’Malley should resist moving up in weight and continue competing at bantamweight. John Wood, ‘The Machine’s’ coach, expressed this opinion during an MMA Today interview hosted by Din Thomas and Alan Jouban.
The UFC loves stars, and when the UFC loves somebody who has the capability that he has, honestly Sean’s one knockout away from being right back into the, you know, ‘Oh my god he’s back, the Suga Show’. —John Wood, Coach
Wood sees more opportunities for O’Malley at bantamweight, suggesting he could aim for a rematch with Petr Yan or face Umar Nurmagomedov in upcoming bouts.
Ray Longo’s Critical Perspective on Sean O’Malley’s Career Path
Ray Longo, head coach of the Serra-Longo fight team, shared his views on O’Malley during a podcast interview with Jon Anik and Kenny Florian. Having guided multiple UFC fighters to championships, including Dvalishvili, Longo holds considerable expertise within MMA circles.
Longo remarked that O’Malley’s previous opponents were predominantly strikers rather than grapplers, which did not prepare him adequately for the wrestling-dominant style of fighters like Dvalishvili.
O’Malley is obviously super talented, but they did give him guys that are just gonna stand in front of him, that weren’t grapplers, —Ray Longo, Head Coach
Now you got a guy whose MMA wrestling is off the charts, so now what are you gonna do? You’re gonna correct that in a couple of months?… They’re not doing anything. —Ray Longo, Head Coach
Longo criticized the matchmaking leading up to O’Malley’s title opportunities, pointing out that facing fewer wrestlers has exposed weaknesses that Dvalishvili exploited in their recent encounters.
Ray Longo thinks Sean O’Malley was given too easy of a path to the title and that we’re starting to see that now with his recent loses to Merab pic.twitter.com/SBC5Ayvuth — Anik & Florian Podcast
The Impact of Wrestling on O’Malley’s Prospects and Division Choice
Longo’s assessment suggests that the absence of tough wrestling challenges during O’Malley’s rise left key vulnerabilities unaddressed. While fighters like Petr Yan possess solid wrestling skills, none match the relentless pressure Merab Dvalishvili applies.
This lack of comprehensive preparation may have resulted in O’Malley’s consecutive losses and fueled his desire to leave bantamweight. However, experts within Dvalishvili’s camp caution that moving to featherweight could present even greater hurdles, potentially stalling O’Malley’s career further if he fails to adapt.
Remaining in bantamweight may provide O’Malley with a clearer path to redeem himself against skilled wrestlers, restoring his standing within the division and prolonging his relevance as a top contender.