Newark, NJ — After losing his bantamweight title to Merab Dvalishvili back at UFC 306 in September, Sean O’Malley returns in a rematch of what he believes was a close fight the first time around.
Many have questioned whether O’Malley (18-2, 1NC), who has not fought since that defeat (while Dvalishvili has, defeating Umar Nurmagomedov), is truly deserving of the opportunity. On Wednesday, during the UFC 316 media day, the 30-year old former champ suggested that he analyzes his fights more than anyone. And while he believes it was close, “it doesn’t matter if it’s close if you lose,” said O’Malley. “I plan on this one not being so close.”
There was talk of O’Malley being injured ahead of that last fight, scenes of him on crutches. Without getting into the details past a torn labrum, he explained to media outlets including Cageside Press on Wednesday that “I feel a lot better. A lot better this fight. This whole camp’s been a lot better.”
That might be part of coming in off a high from life in general. O’Malley has a newborn baby at home. His father will be in his corner this weekend, while celebrating his birthday. “60th birthday. That’s probably the coolest gift I can give him.”
Later, he’d agree that these big life moments “puts it in perspective, what life’s all about.”
O’Malley has been careful not to make any excuses about the first fight, though he did admit to the torn labrum. Still, he felt good going into the octagon that night in September, believing that he would win.
When it comes to Merab Dvalishvili’s ability to pull out victories — some have accused the champ of holding opponents on the fence to make it look like he’s dominating — O’Malley wasn’t about to throw too much shade.
“He’s definitely a master at getting in positions and doing enough— the win streak he’s on, I can’t talk too much sh*t about it. It’s a crazy win streak, beating the best guys, he’s winning. That’s all that matters.”
Perhaps surprisingly, Sean O’Malley suggested that Saturday’s UFC 316 might be the first time we see him in his prime. “I’m 30 right now. I feel like we haven’t got to see me in my prime, this might be the first fight in my prime. I want to stick around as long as possible. Longevity is on my mind every day.”
Watch the full UFC 316 media day appearance by Sean O’Malley above.
