Sean O’Malley acknowledged that despite recent setbacks, he remains convinced he can defeat Merab Dvalishvili in a potential third UFC bout. This admission comes after O’Malley, also known as “Suga,” suffered his second consecutive loss to Dvalishvili, the reigning bantamweight champion, with their last encounter ending via a third-round submission at UFC 316.
Although O’Malley is currently 0-2 against Dvalishvili, he draws inspiration from other fighters who have overcome early defeats, such as Max Holloway, who secured a victory over Dustin Poirier in their trilogy matchup at UFC 318. O’Malley believes a similar outcome is possible if he earns another shot in the UFC Octagon.
Reflecting on the Rivalry and Future Prospects
On his YouTube channel, O’Malley shared insights into his mindset regarding the rivalry with Dvalishvili. He admitted that going into their rematch, he was confident about dominating Dvalishvili but was proven otherwise. Still, he holds on to hope for a future victory if given the chance to face him a third time.
I truly believed that I was going to go out and make Merab look stupid [in the rematch],
O’Malley said.
And I’m still so delusional that I still believe I can do that. Max Holloway beat Dustin in his third fight, [he] lost the first two. So never say never.
This resilience illustrates O’Malley’s refusal to give up on his goal, signaling his determination to return stronger and possibly rewrite the narrative against Dvalishvili.
Challenges Ahead Before Another Trilogy Fight
Before a third meeting with the champion can occur, O’Malley will need to reestablish himself as a top contender. His back-to-back losses have created a significant hurdle in regaining title contention, and analysts expect he will need two to three noteworthy wins to justify another bout with Dvalishvili.
Meanwhile, Dvalishvili is set to defend his bantamweight title against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320 in October. At 35 years old, Dvalishvili’s position as champion may not last indefinitely, meaning any future duel with O’Malley could take place as the champion approaches the later stages of his career.
Implications of a Potential Trilogy Fight in the Bantamweight Division
A trilogy fight between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili would carry significant weight in the bantamweight division, with both fighters motivated to solidify their legacies. O’Malley’s self-awareness of his current position, combined with his belief in eventual victory, highlights the unpredictability and drama of championship rivalries in the UFC.
If O’Malley succeeds in returning to title contention and a third match materializes, it could become a defining moment for both athletes, possibly shaping the future of the division and drawing considerable attention from fans and analysts alike.