Merab Dvalishvili`s unexpected rematch with Sean O’Malley at UFC 316 came about mainly because no other clear top contender had emerged in the bantamweight division. However, that situation is likely to change after the upcoming Saturday night`s fights.
Following the announcement of O’Malley receiving an immediate rematch despite his loss to Dvalishvili last September and without securing another win, new contenders have emerged. Among them is consistent threat Cory Sandhagen, who recently defeated Deiveson Figueiredo in May. Although Sandhagen has frequently been on the verge of a title shot, his recent victory, combined with having never fought Dvalishvili, likely positions him as the next potential challenger.
During UFC 316 media day, Dvalishvili stated, “Right now, the clear contender looks like it`s Cory Sandhagen, especially since we`ve never fought each other.” He added, “He has a good style, he`s a good fighter. He`s beaten many good guys in this division.”
Dvalishvili believes fans are keen to see this matchup. “I`m sure MMA fans want to see this fight,” he commented. However, he emphasized that the UFC`s decision is paramount. “But most important is what the UFC wants. I am champion now and whoever the UFC will give me, I will fight the next contender, the next best guy in the division.”
Sandhagen holds a 4-1 record in his last five bouts, with his only recent defeat being a decision loss to Umar Nurmagomedov, whom Dvalishvili defeated in January. Considering Sandhagen`s impressive record and the fact that he hasn`t previously faced Dvalishvili, he appears to be the most likely candidate for a title shot should the Georgian champion successfully defend his belt at UFC 316.
Another potential contender could rapidly ascend the ranks this Saturday when former Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix makes his highly anticipated UFC debut.
Mix is scheduled to face Mario Bautista in a crucial matchup between two bantamweights who boast a combined 14-0 record over their last 14 fights. The winner is expected to make a significant leap forward in the division rankings.
Notably, Mix shares a training relationship with Dvalishvili, having spent considerable time training together over the past few years. While this posed no conflict when Mix competed in a different organization, he is now signed with the UFC and aiming for the title currently held by Dvalishvili.
Despite their friendship and shared training history, Dvalishvili has stated that this situation will not mirror his past dynamic with Aljamain Sterling, where they had opted not to compete against each other while both were top contenders.
Dvalishvili spoke highly of Mix, saying, “Patchy Mix is a great fighter.” He confirmed their training relationship: “Yes, we`re training a lot [together]. He`s one of the best and I respect him. I`m happy for him he`s in the UFC right now. I wish him all the best.” Dvalishvili believes Mix`s arrival is positive for the sport and the division: “It`s good for the UFC, good for the division we have another top fighter in this division. It`s good. He told me he was coming to the UFC and we talked about this and we are cool, we are friends, we are training together.”
He explicitly differentiated the situation from his past with Sterling. “It`s not the same as it was between me and Aljo. If the time comes, we will fight each other. It`s nothing personal.” Dvalishvili views it as a professional necessity: “He`s fighting for his family, I`m fighting for my family and my team. That`s all good.” He concluded by wishing Mix well in his upcoming fight and expressing his focus on his own bout: “I wish him good luck in his fight and hopefully I`m going to win this fight against Sean O’Malley and we`ll see from there.”
Another fighter mentioned to Dvalishvili was the current flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja, who has hinted at a potential move up to the bantamweight division in the future.
Currently, Pantoja has his own challenge ahead at UFC 317, facing Kai-Kara France in the co-main event. However, Dvalishvili stated that if Pantoja decides to move up, he, as the reigning bantamweight champion, would welcome the challenge.
Regarding a potential fight with Pantoja, Dvalishvili commented, “Yes, he`s a respectful champion.” He confirmed his willingness to fight Pantoja if the opportunity arises: “If he moves up and the UFC lets him fight for the belt, no problem. I`m a champion now. I`ll fight whoever the UFC chooses for me to fight.”
Firstly, Dvalishvili must overcome O’Malley in their rematch. He feels fully prepared for this, particularly as he anticipates facing a healthy and completely focused opponent this time.
Dvalishvili speculated on O`Malley`s preparation, stating, “He should be 70 percent better because he quit a lot of stuff.” He elaborated: “He quit social media, he quit smoking weed and I`m sure he was more focused on wrestling, getting better knockout power. I want to test all of that. I`m ready for the best version of Sean O`Malley.”
