Exclusive: Merab Dvalishvili's coach discusses referee Herb Dean's mid-fight warning during Sean O'Malley clash at UFC 306
Merab Dvalishvili's coach, John Wood, has shed light on the controversial incident involving referee Herb Dean during his pupil's fight against Sean O'Malley at UFC 306.
In an exclusive interview with SportskeedaMMA, Wood revealed that Dvalishvili had been distracted by O'Malley's cornerman, Tim Welch.
Wood explained that Dvalishvili, who is known for his emotional nature, was momentarily thrown off by Welch's antics:
“Merab is an emotional guy and Tim [Welch] obviously knew what he was doing there and that's you, he's even stated that's part of his tactics of of trying to like have a one up in in the ring to help you know. Help his fighter out and you know good for him. It almost you know it worked for five seconds."
Wood emphasized the importance of avoiding mental lapses in such high-stakes fights and praised Dvalishvili for quickly regaining his focus. He concluded:
"Thankfully only a a very short mental lapse for a moment."[3:01]
Merab Dvalishvili's coach weighs in on potential next opponent
Appearing in the same interview, John Wood also weighed in on the potential matchup between his pupil and undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov. While Dvalishvili has expressed a desire to face Deiveson Figueiredo in his first title defense, Wood believes that Nurmagomedov may be the more likely opponent.
Wood acknowledges that Nurmagomedov's last name carries significant weight within the UFC and that the promotion may be eager to capitalize on his popularity. However, he believes that Nurmagomedov needs a few more fights before earning a title shot.
"I think Umar is gonna have his moment obviously. I think his last name carries a little more weight than anybody else at this moment and that's something I'm sure they [UFC] would like to push. Do I think he's earned a title shot? No not yet. I think you know another fight or two..."
Wood also expressed his preference for the Dvalishvili vs. Figueiredo matchup, stating that it would be a stylistically exciting and entertaining fight. He praised Figueiredo's skills and highlighted the opportunity for Dvalishvili to defeat a former champion.
"I like the Deiveson Figueiredo fight. like the fact that you know it's a fight that Merab wants to have. He likes to have like have gone through and beaten all the former Champions you know. so I mean I love that fight I think that stylistically it's a great fight I think it's an entertaining fight um Davidson's a stud you know.” [6:38]
Check out Merab Dvalishvili's coach John Wood discuss the UFC 306 fight with SportskeedaMMA below: