Sean O’Malley recently weighed in on the upcoming Cory Sandhagen UFC 320 Title Fight, describing the matchup against reigning bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili as a “coin flip.” The highly anticipated title bout is set for October 4th at the T-Mobile Arena, where Dvalishvili aims to defend his 135-pound crown against Sandhagen, currently ranked fourth in the division.

Merab Dvalishvili has built momentum with an impressive 13-fight win streak and two title defenses this year, including a victory over O’Malley himself. UFC President Dana White announced the fight recently, with the organization confirming the event to the media. Known for his relentless pace and dominant grappling, Dvalishvili has become a formidable champion in the bantamweight division following his recent successful defense at UFC 316 in June.

Cory Sandhagen earned his place as a top contender by delivering a fast TKO against former two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo under two rounds at UFC Des Moines. O’Malley shared his analysis of how Sandhagen might perform against Dvalishvili, highlighting the complexities in their skill sets beyond a simple grappler-versus-striker narrative.

Sean O’Malley Rates the Fight as a Toss-Up

Reflecting on his own experiences with Dvalishvili, O’Malley noted nuances that give Sandhagen a legitimate chance in this matchup. He stated,

“How do I see that fight playing out? …[Uhm] I fought Merab twice, beat him once, lost to him once… I’m just kidding. Cory’s got really good wrestling scrambles. He did really good against Umar…was able to scramble very well. I wouldn’t say he really gassed, but he definitely got a little bit tired whereas Merab just he just doesn’t get [really] tired…If Cory’s well-versed in the 50-50 [phase], the leg game—I’m curious if he will cause scrambles that way, maybe threaten some submissions — fu*king coin flip, I think.” —Sean O’Malley on his Official YT Channel

O’Malley emphasized that Sandhagen’s wrestling scrambles and ability to handle transitional phases could make the fight unpredictable. He noted Dvalishvili’s extraordinary cardio and pressure but suggested Sandhagen’s diverse grappling skills could counter the champion’s usual dominance in this area.

Dvalishvili is the betting favorite heading into the fight, boasting a record-breaking 92 takedown attempts across his UFC outings, second only to Georges St-Pierre at one point. His high-volume striking, with nearly 2,000 total strikes landed, further distinguishes him as one of the division’s most active and relentless fighters.

The Georgian champion remains the only active competitor to attempt ten or more takedowns in four separate fights. Alongside his grappling prowess, Dvalishvili combines high-level striking volume and exceptional cardio that have made him a staunch competitor in the bantamweight ranks.

Beyond the Traditional Grappler vs. Striker Dynamic

O’Malley underlined that this contest is not a straightforward battle of a pure grappler against a pure striker, as Sandhagen’s skill set extends beyond striking excellence. In his fight against Rob Font, Sandhagen demonstrated his stamina and capacity to incorporate wrestling throughout all five rounds, showcasing a versatile approach that goes beyond simply trading strikes.

This versatility places Sandhagen in a better position to challenge Dvalishvili’s relentless pressure, potentially leading to an evenly matched contest. Sandhagen has expressed confidence that Dvalishvili’s typical tactics might not work against him, believing his own conditioning and adaptability can neutralize the champion’s advantages.

Sandhagen Challenges Notions About Dvalishvili’s Endurance

Training at Camp Syndicate MMA and Team Serra-Longo in Las Vegas, Merab Dvalishvili is recognized for his rigorous approach to conditioning and grappling, holding accolades in judo and sambo. His endurance and relentless pace made headlines at UFC 298, where he dominated Olympian Henry Cejudo with sustained pressure few have managed to withstand.

Despite Dvalishvili’s reputation, Sandhagen maintains that the champion’s stamina will not be a decisive factor in the upcoming fight. During a one-on-one interview with MMACrazy at International Fight Week in 2025, Sandhagen openly dismissed the idea of Dvalishvili as unbeatable:

“I’m not gonna buy into the narrative that Merab is this unbeatable thing. I don’t think that he is. I think that I have some of the best conditioning as well, so he’s not gonna be able to get me tired like he has been able with the other guys…I’m just not [another] O’Malley, you know…You’re not gonna take me down and hold me down. I’m not an Umar, where I’m gonna get tired in round four and five.” —Cory Sandhagen to MMACrazy during IFW one-on-one ‘UFC X Radio Row 2025’ fighter interviews

Sandhagen asserts that his endurance is on par with Dvalishvili’s, promising to withstand the champion’s pressure and avoid succumbing to fatigue. He also highlighted his awareness of Dvalishvili’s strengths and declared he intends to engage fully for the entire five rounds.

Statistical Overview and Tactical Outlook for UFC 320

Sandhagen boasts a 44-percent significant strike accuracy while absorbing roughly 3.46 strikes per minute, with a solid 57-percent strike defense rate. His takedown defense stands at 63 percent, allowing him to maintain mobility and a striking-heavy approach against pressured opponents.

These statistics, combined with experience against top-tier opponents such as Renan Barao, Dominick Cruz, Henry Cejudo, and TJ Dillashaw—who named Sandhagen his toughest competitor—underscore why the challenger is viewed as a formidable adversary for Dvalishvili.

Sandhagen’s switch-hitting striking style and ability to adapt during fights contrast with Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and grappling depth, setting the stage for a significant tactical battle at UFC 320.

Anticipation Builds for a Critical Bantamweight Title Clash

The upcoming title fight between Merab Dvalishvili and Cory Sandhagen represents a pivotal moment for the bantamweight division. Dvalishvili seeks to solidify his reign with another successful defense, building on a resume that places him among the division’s most active and dominant champions. Meanwhile, Sandhagen is eager to disrupt Dvalishvili’s momentum by leveraging a versatile skill set and assertive strategy.

Sean O’Malley’s “coin flip” characterization captures the fight’s uncertainty, amplifying fans’ anticipation for a compelling matchup. With contrasting styles, evenly matched conditioning, and high stakes on the line, this bout promises to be a defining encounter that could reshape the division’s hierarchy.

As the fight draws closer, observers will closely monitor training camps and pre-fight analyses to gain further insights, but one thing remains clear: the Cory Sandhagen UFC 320 Title Fight will test the limits of both the champion and his challenger in a battle that may come down to the narrowest of margins.