Merab Dvalishvili vows to humble Sean O'Malley at Noche UFC 306: "I know and all the true MMA fans know"
Merab Dvalishvili has not competed since last February when he defeated Henry Cejudo via unanimous decision at UFC 298 to cement his status as the bantamweight division's top contender. He will have the biggest opportunity of his mixed martial arts career this weekend when he challenges Sean O'Malley for the title at UFC 306, the promotion's first-ever event at the Las Vegas Sphere.
'The Machine' recently shared his plans to humble his opponent when they meet in the octagon. Speaking to Damon Martin of MMA Fighting, the No.1-ranked bantamweight discussed his road to the title bout, stating:
"I will be so proud because I know, like you said, I don't get nothing handed to me. I had to work for everything that I got and I will be very proud. I am already proud of myself and I know and all the true MMA people and MMA fans know. I'm here and fighting hard. I [didn't get a push] or anything so it will be special for me, for sure, but first I have to win this fight."
Dvalishvili continued:
"This is a tough challenge for me. Sean O’Malley is a good fighter and that's why I always wanted to fight him. First, I want to win this fight and I want to be organic. I don't want to overthink and I don't want to be cocky. First, I have to win this fight and after we can talk. One thing is for sure, I'm working hard and I'm very hungry and I'm going to surprise a lot of people. I'm looking for the knockout. Don't be surprised if I knock him out."
Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments on his UFC 306 title bout below (starting at the 23:55 mark):
Dvalishvili had a challenging path to the first title opportunity of his UFC career. He will enter the bout on a 10 fight winning streak, with his past three victories coming against former UFC champions.
Merab Dvalishvili shares plan to make Sean O'Malley pay for disrespect
Merab Dvalishvili has made it clear that he is not a fan of the antics from Sean O'Malley and his camp. He recently shared that he plans to make the bantamweight champion pay for his disrespect. Speaking to Damon Martin of MMA Fighting, 'The Machine' stated:
"Hard work got me here and you've got to show me respect. If you don't show me respect, we all see what I did against Petr Yan and I'm going to do the same thing against Sean O'Malley. Because, same thing, he don't show me respect and I'm going to be rude. I'm going to make him humbl because I don't like these bully people."
Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments on Sean O'Malley below (starting at the 15:51 mark):
Dvalishvili put forth a dominant performance when he faced Petr Yan in the main event of UFC Fight Night 221. He won the bout via unanimous decision, winning all five rounds on all three judges scorecards. 'The Machine' lived up to his nickname as he attempted a UFC record 49 takedowns, landing 11.