Sean O’Malley, the former UFC bantamweight champion, believes Conor McGregor could improve his performance by adopting lifestyle adjustments similar to those O’Malley implemented before his rematch against Merab Dvalishvili. O’Malley faced Dvalishvili twice in 2024, including a rematch in June at Newark’s Prudential Center, after which he emphasized the positive effects of his personal changes despite the loss.
O’Malley’s adjustments prior to rematch with Merab Dvalishvili
After losing the 135-pound title to Merab Dvalishvili in September 2024, Sean O’Malley spent time recovering from injury and was granted an immediate rematch upon his return. Leading up to the June bout at UFC 316, O’Malley notably altered his lifestyle by giving up marijuana and social media use, habits that had been integral parts of his daily routine. These choices marked a significant shift for O’Malley, who has long maintained a prominent online presence and been vocal about his off-ring activities.
Despite reversing the social media break shortly after the fight, O’Malley insists these changes had a lasting effect. In a conversation on the Overdogs Podcast with former UFC fighter Mike Perry, O’Malley explained:
“I didn’t do that so I could go out and fight better…I did that for a lifestyle, I did that for my own mind,”
—Sean O’Malley, UFC fighter
He further described how eliminating distractions such as smoking, drinking, and partying allowed him to focus completely on training and preparation for the years he hopes to continue competing:
“Not smoking, not drinking, not partying…doing what I am supposed to be doing…completely dialed in. I really want to take advantage of these next five, six years that I can compete.”
—Sean O’Malley, UFC fighter
O’Malley concluded,
“I feel better than I’ve ever felt.”
—Sean O’Malley, UFC fighter
How O’Malley believes McGregor could benefit from a similar approach
Given Conor McGregor’s well-documented social media presence and party lifestyle, O’Malley suggested that the Irishman might see improvements if he adopted a comparable regimen of discipline and focus. When Mike Perry proposed the idea that McGregor should follow this lifestyle path, O’Malley was clear about his opinion:
“I think he would benefit from it,”
—Sean O’Malley, UFC fighter
This candid assessment reflects the tension and uncertainty many fans have regarding McGregor’s career trajectory, as distractions outside the octagon have often seemed to impact his consistency and performance.
O’Malley remains determined despite losses to Dvalishvili
Even though O’Malley has now suffered consecutive defeats to Merab Dvalishvili, including a submission in their June rematch that handed him the first losing streak of his career, he remains confident about his chances moving forward. The Montana native posted on his X account that he remains “delusional” in his belief that he can overcome Dvalishvili in future encounters. O’Malley referenced Max Holloway’s victory over Dustin Poirier in their third matchup as proof that persistence can pay off in rematches.
Reflecting on his UFC 316 loss, O’Malley admitted,
“I truly believed that I was going to go out and make Merab look stupid,”
—Sean O’Malley, UFC fighter
He added,
“I’m still so delusional that I still think I can beat Merab.”
O’Malley also cited Holloway’s perseverance, saying,
“Max Holloway beat Dustin in his third fight, lost the first two. So never say never,”
—Sean O’Malley, UFC fighter
This ambition amid setbacks displays O’Malley’s unwillingness to relinquish his goals despite mounting difficulties, an attitude that keeps his career narrative unpredictable and compelling.
Implications for McGregor and the UFC bantamweight landscape
Sean O’Malley’s reflections on lifestyle shifts illuminate the challenges top fighters face balancing personal choices with professional demands. His belief that Conor McGregor could enhance his career through similar discipline adds to ongoing conversations about McGregor’s focus and longevity. Meanwhile, O’Malley’s persistence against Dvalishvili suggests that the bantamweight division will continue to feature high-stakes rematches as fighters strive to establish or reclaim dominance.
How McGregor will respond to calls for change remains to be seen, but O’Malley’s experiences underline the potential benefits of reducing distractions. As the UFC landscape evolves, fighters like O’Malley demonstrate that mental and lifestyle adjustments can be as critical as physical training in achieving success inside the octagon.