Merab Dvalishvili 'focused on damage,' not antics at UFC 316 in Sean O'Malley rematch
Merab Dvalishvili 'focused on damage,' not antics at UFC 316 in Sean O'Malley rematch No more games for UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili.
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UFC 316: Merab Dvalishvili media day interview
UFC 316 headliner Merab Dvalishvili spoke to MMA Junkie and reporters at media day for his bantamweight title rematch vs. Sean O'Malley on Saturday.
MORRISTOWN, N.J. – Merab Dvalishvili is done playing games and being a showman.
The UFC bantamweight champion assured that he'll be doing fewer antics and more damage in his title rematch with Sean O'Malley this Saturday in the main event of UFC 316 (ESPN pay-per-view), which takes place at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Dvalishvili (19-4 MMA, 12-2 UFC) made plenty of headlines the first time he fought O'Malley (18-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) back in September, as he not only claimed the 135-pound UFC title, but he also did it while kissing O'Malley's back and arguing with O'Malley's corner mid-fight, among other bizarre stunts.
This time around, things will be different, says Dvalishvili.
"I this time I'll be more focused on the finish and more focused on damage," Dvalishvili said at Wednesday's UFC 316 media day. "The first fight it was too easy, and I was too relaxed. I saw everything and controlled everything. I did kiss him and I did make fun of him, but this time I'm going to focus more on finishing, which is what I worked on. So yeah, that's what I'm looking forward to."
In his seven-year career with the UFC, Dvalishvili has picked up 12 victories, but only one of those was by finish – which was against Marlon Moraes in 2021. Dvalishvili hopes to break his decision run, but if he doesn't, he at least promises to hand out a beating.
"I'm ready for a hard fight. I'm expecting the best Sean O'Malley in the best shape ever," Dvalishvili said. "Like I said before, I'm looking for a finish, but if I have to beat the sh*t out of him for five rounds, I'm ready to do that, too."
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