Merab Dvalishvili possesses a remarkable ability to erode his opponent`s will, often achieved through relentless pressure and outstanding cardio. However, his head coach doesn`t believe this was the sole factor in Sean O`Malley`s struggles at UFC 316.
After defeating O`Malley by decision in their initial meeting last September, the current UFC bantamweight champion outdid himself in the rematch, securing a stunning third-round finish with a nasty choke that ended the fight. While Dvalishvili`s wrestling and grappling were prominent once more, coach John Wood observed O`Malley`s demeanor shift earlier, even during their stand-up exchanges.
“I honestly believe a knockout was a possibility,” Wood commented. “I`m not sure everyone noticed, but Merab connected well and rocked him a couple of times. The goal remains to get the finish if we can, but winning the fight is the absolute priority. Regarding what Merab brings to the table… I received some criticism recently for stating I genuinely feel we could have finished his last three opponents quite easily.”
“In all those fights, there are moments where the opponent, the fighter, broke and simply didn`t want to be there anymore. They exhibit behaviors, consciously or subconsciously, indicating they`re done, which creates openings and opportunities to end things.”
So, at what specific point did O`Malley break in the second fight?
Wood points to a few standout moments, but highlights the instance when Dvalishvili bypassed O`Malley`s takedown defense, lifted him into the air, and powerfully slammed him back down in the center of the octagon.
Following the first fight, O`Malley cited a hip injury hindering his grappling training, but claimed no such issue existed for the rematch. While Wood credits O`Malley for showing improvements, he`s certain Dvalishvili`s slam takedown had a significant impact during the bout.
“I think that moment was the beginning of it,” Wood said about the takedown`s effect on O`Malley. “I even felt we had some success in round one. I told Merab throughout camp, there would be a quick moment out there when O`Malley thinks, `Oh man, this feels bizarrely similar, but worse.` I believe that happened after the first round.”
“But yes, when another man effortlessly picks you up like a child, carries you, slams you down, and nothing you try seems to work, you`re inevitably going to feel a certain way. Merab just seems to have Sean`s number. That kind of stylistic advantage sometimes occurs in fights.”
Wood had stated multiple times before the rematch that he expected Dvalishvili to pursue a finish, so he was not at all surprised when the Georgian secured that third-round choke to put O`Malley away.
As impressive as that submission was, Wood assures that Dvalishvili is only just beginning to demonstrate his finishing abilities, anticipating that O`Malley is merely the first of many opponents who will experience this.
“Mark my words, this won`t be the sole submission,” Wood stated. “There will be knockouts. There will be TKOs. He`s still improving. I think Sean was better this time, but he defended takedowns more effectively in the first fight. Sean made adjustments later in the rounds in the first bout. As a coach, my role is to anticipate what they plan to improve in a rematch and then adapt our strategy and timing accordingly, which worked out perfectly.”
“Merab is exceptional. People are finally starting to grasp that. His timing, his fight vision, his ability to listen and learn – he`s special. He can adapt to anyone instantly. He processes information and executes on the fly, even in chaotic situations.”
With two victories over O`Malley, including a finish in the second bout, Dvalishvili is now moving forward with his career, seeking new challenges.
Fighters like Cory Sandhagen and Mario Bautista are likely near the top of the list of potential contenders who haven`t previously faced the champion, but Dvalishvili is clearly open to rematches if the UFC decides that`s the direction they want to go.
Considering the state of the bantamweight division, Wood expects Dvalishvili to pursue new opponents while leaving O`Malley behind for now, but he doesn`t rule out the possibility of the UFC booking that fight again in the future.
“In a realistic sense, I`d say we won`t see it again,” Wood remarked about a potential third fight between Dvalishvili and O`Malley. “However, in the UFC`s reality, one win changes everything. If O`Malley goes out there and gets a definitive knockout against his next opponent, everyone will jump right back on board… he might then come forward and potentially claim something like, `When I fought Merab the second time…` (I`m not saying this is what they`ve said) `I had an injured foot` or some other reason to get another opportunity. One or two more impressive knockouts, and you know how things operate.”
“If the UFC believes they can stand behind it with their marketing machinery and generate revenue, they will make it happen. They aren`t strictly in the business of rankings where the next best fighter automatically fights the champion. That`s not how it unfolds. So, yes, I do see a potential for him to return to contention after some time.”
What exactly would O`Malley need to do to justify a third fight against Dvalishvili?
His coach believes it`s a significant climb back up the bantamweight ranks, but he doesn`t completely count O`Malley out – Wood simply thinks the chances of that specific fight happening again in the near future are very slim.
“I don`t anticipate Sean being next in line for a while,” Wood stated. “I think there are other fighters. He would need to face a gauntlet of tough opponents and defeat them quite convincingly to earn another shot. As for moving up to 145 pounds, those fighters are large. While O`Malley has current size and reach advantages, he`d need to add considerable muscle. From what I observe, his frame isn`t very large, so that might not be the wisest move.”
“But I believe there are some favorable matchups for him at 135 pounds that he can win, and then he can figure things out from there. Get a couple more wins, and then make that decision. He`s clearly a very talented fighter that people enjoy watching.”
