Sean O’Malley‘s coach, Tim Welch, recently addressed the fighter’s future after his loss at UFC 316, asserting that O’Malley’s status as a major star remains intact. Despite the setback in the bantamweight title rematch against Merab Dvalishvili earlier this month, Welch emphasized that O’Malley’s prominence in the sport is unquestioned and comparable to other fan favorites like Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal.
At UFC 316, O’Malley faced Dvalishvili in the main event, returning to the octagon to contest the bantamweight championship. Initially confident, O’Malley struggled to defend against Dvalishvili’s persistent wrestling tactics, ultimately succumbing to a third-round submission via an anaconda choke.
Intense Training and Focus on a Swift Comeback
In a candid YouTube statement, Coach Tim Welch revealed that O’Malley’s routine remains disciplined and combat-focused, highlighting the absence of distractions like clubbing or partying. Welch described their rigorous training schedule, with sessions twice daily, as evidence that O’Malley intends to keep competing actively without wasting precious years in his career.
”It’s so hard to say with him but again, right now we’re not going to clubs, we’re not f*cking partying, we’re saying no to trips. So what else are we going to do? We’re coming to the gym twice a day. We’re going to train. Might as well [fight]. Might as well not let these years go by. He’s only 30 years old. Might as well just knock them out. Let’s just keep knocking them out.” —Tim Welch, Sean O’Malley’s MMA Coach
Welch further underlined O’Malley’s commercial and fan appeal by comparing him with Diaz and Masvidal, both of whom have sustained large followings despite experiencing losses. This comparison aims to demonstrate that O’Malley’s star power remains strong even after the recent defeat.
”Look at Nate Diaz, how big of a star he is. How many losses does he have? Jorge Masvidal, how many losses does he have? They’re still just f*cking huge draws. Huge stars.” —Tim Welch, Sean O’Malley’s MMA Coach
O’Malley Eager for a Third Bout Against Dvalishvili
Following two encounters with Merab Dvalishvili, O’Malley is already setting his sights on a trilogy fight. The first clash occurred at Noche UFC 306 last year, where O’Malley lost his bantamweight title. The recent UFC 316 loss reinforced the need for O’Malley to regain his position.
During The Ariel Helwani Show, O’Malley expressed his determination to secure a third match with Dvalishvili. He stressed the importance of building an undeniable winning streak to justify another title shot while acknowledging the competitive challenge that Dvalishvili represents.
”For me to earn another shot at Merab, I’ve got to be undeniable. I have to go on a streak. I have to win a lot of fights in a row. And there’s a world that happens. I know I’m capable of beating Merab. I also know he’s capable of beating me…One hundred percent, I will fight again this year. (The opponent is) to be determined. We’ll see how things play out. We’ll see.” —Sean O’Malley, UFC Fighter
Outlook on O’Malley’s Career and Upcoming Steps
Despite the disappointment at UFC 316, Sean O’Malley’s determination and disciplined approach suggest a swift return to competition. With Tim Welch’s confident remarks about O’Malley’s work ethic and star appeal, the fighter remains positioned as a significant figure in the bantamweight division. O’Malley’s expressed goal of another bout against Merab Dvalishvili underscores the ongoing rivalry that could define this stage of his career. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as O’Malley plans to fight again within the year, aiming to reclaim his place at the top of the division.