Newark, NJ — If there was any question about Merab Dvalishvili’s first victory over Sean O’Malley, there certainly shouldn’t be after his second at UFC 316 on Saturday.
After claiming a five-round decision last year, Dvalishvili submitted O’Malley in the third round in the UFC 316 main event, in a performance that also saw him show off noticeably improved striking.
“To be honest, I’m just getting better everywhere,” Dvalishvili (20-4) said following the fight, speaking with media outlets including Cageside Press. “I’m not just focused on one thing.”
In his camp, the bantamweight champ revealed, wrestling wasn’t a super big focus. In their first fight, the Georgian had played it a little more safe. Saturday night, “I played it more open today.” That’s in contrast to their last encounter. “I wanted to win the first time, especially against a dangerous opponent like Sean O’Malley is.” Dvalishvili also credited good friend Aljamain Sterling‘s presence in camp, saying he was “two times better than Sean O’Malley [in] striking.”
Dvalishvili called for a fight with Cory Sandhagen following UFC 316, and that does seem to be the fight most likely to happen. After that, there’s the possibility of more rematches, against Umar Nurmagomedov and Petr Yan. UFC CEO and President Dana White suggested beating guys in the division twice would make Merab even more impressive.
“No problem,” Dvalishvili said when presented with that statement. “I am a champion now, and I just want to be busy. Whoever the UFC thinks, they are the most deserving guy, I’m fighting next. I love fighting, I’m just grateful. As long as some bullsh*t fighter don’t [disrespect] me, I’m happy.”
“As long as they deserve to fight for the belt, I’m good. At the end of the day, I’m not making the decision, the UFC makes the decision. I’m happy with that. I’m happy because I don’t have to think about it; whoever the UFC will put in front of me, I will fight.”
Watch Merab Dvalishvili’s UFC 316 post-fight press conference appearance above.
