Sean O'Malley Issues Bold Claim Ahead of UFC 316 Showdown
Sean O'Malley Issues Bold Claim Ahead of UFC 316 Showdown originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
With UFC 316 just days away, anticipation is nearing a boiling point as fans prepare for a high-stakes rematch at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The main event features a former champion looking for redemption and a chance to reclaim gold. Although most of the build-up has been relatively quiet, that all changed during today's media day, when the former titleholder let the world know exactly how he plans to take back what he once held.
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Sean O'Malley, calm throughout much of the pre-fight media, turned up the heat during the official press conference. In a clip posted to the UFC's YouTube page, O'Malley made his intentions clear: 'I truly believe I'm going to knock Merab out. Come Sunday, no one is going to give a f—k about Merab, and that's just is what it is.'
Sean O'MalleyGetty Images
The reigning bantamweight champ, Merab Dvalishvili, didn't hesitate to fire back. 'Keep talking and you're going to get more humble. I'm making people humble! You'll see June 7. Yeah, you were playing all of this time like a humble guy, okay, I'll show you again.'
Their last meeting saw Merab impose his game plan with ease, grinding O'Malley down with relentless pressure and top control.
Merab Dvalishvili Getty Images
But this time around, O'Malley insists things will be different. Backed by changes in his camp and an elevated new mindset, he's entering UFC 316 with full conviction—though the road ahead is anything but smooth. With Dvalishvili's gas tank, relentless pace, and grit, Saturday's main event promises to deliver.
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Related: Tom Aspinall Reveals Major Update Ahead of UFC Return
Related: Conor McGregor Reacts to Sean O'Malley's Camp Ahead of UFC 316
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
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