Sean O'Malley calls out Merab Dvalishvili's "stupidity" recounting the frozen lake incident: "He didn’t know what ice was"
Sean O'Malley has not entered the octagon since March when he defeated Marlon 'Chito' Vera via unanimous decision at UFC 299. He will make his return this weekend as he looks to defend his bantamweight title for the second time, when he faces Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306. 'Suga' recently called out his opponent's social media presence.
Speaking at the media day for the promotion's first event at the Las Vegas Sphere, the bantamweight champion was asked if he believes 'The Machine' is trying to build his brand or making errors online, responding:
"A little bit of both. Mostly stupidity. I mean, the dude jumped - he didn't know what ice was. He jumped - he didn't know if water got cold, that cold, that it turns into ice. He jumped in ice onto his head. So, I mean, that's the person we're talking about."
When asked if things are personal between the two of them or if they are tired of thinking of one another, O'Malley added:
"A little bit of both. I think it definitely became more personal when I knocked [Aljamain Sterling] out. So, I think that kind of made it a little bit more personal, but then I started questioning their friendship in the first place. Because I knock Aljo out and it's like Merab's turn, but Aljo's like, 'no, I want a rematch'. And I was like, 'ah, I don't know if these guys are as friendly' then Merab going on and saying, 'no, I would've fought Aljo if the UFC gave me a contract'. So, I don't really know what's going on there, but yeah."
Check out Sean O'Malley's comments on Merab Dvalishvili below:
Dvalishvili has seen his online presence grow due to his antics, which has in turn brought an increase in support from fans. The No. 1-ranked bantamweight will look to extend his 10-fight winning streak in the first title opportunity of his UFC career.
Sean O'Malley previously questioned the nature of Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling's friendship
Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling are long-time training partners and close friends, publicly refusing to face one another in the octagon. Sean O'Malley recently revealed that he is not buying that they are close as they say. Speaking to TMZ Sports, 'Suga' stated:
"Aljo probably hopes I beat Merab. It makes Aljo look better. I'm just curious if Merab was happy that I knocked out Aljo because if I didn't knock out Aljo, Merab still would be waiting around. So, I have a little theory that maybe they're not as good as buddies as we all thought."
Check out Sean O'Malley's comments on Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili below (2:20):
O'Malley defeated Sterling via second-round TKO at UFC 292 last August to capture the bantamweight title. 'Funk Master' had revealed that he was planning to move to featherweight whether he won or lost to allow Dvalishvili to fight for the belt. 'The Machine' will look to make good on that opportunity, while avenging his teammate's loss, this weekend.