Aljamain Sterling and Sean O’Malley’s rivalry continues to simmer following their UFC bantamweight title showdown at UFC 292 last year. O’Malley, 29, dethroned Sterling with a spectacular second-round counterpunch, leading Sterling to vacate the bantamweight division and pursue a run at 145 pounds. His successful debut in the featherweight category with a unanimous decision win over Calvin Kattar at UFC 300 has shifted the spotlight to his best friend and fellow contender, Merab Dvalishvili.
Dvalishvili, known as “The Machine,” is poised to challenge for the bantamweight title, with O’Malley being his likely opponent. The buildup to a potential showdown has been marked by playful social media banter and verbal jabs, but tensions escalated when O’Malley responded to Dvalishvili’s taunts.
You’re a sorry ass champion. Keep bragging about a handicapped fight to give you the best odds to win. You’re not a real man my guy. Don’t try to duck the number 1 contender again to fight number 15 this time or some other pointless lame fight. https://t.co/LysxABxlFj
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) May 8, 2024
In a heated exchange on social media, Sterling also joined the fray, criticizing O’Malley for his choice of opponents in his first title defense at UFC 299. Instead of facing Dvalishvili, O’Malley opted for a rematch against Marlon “Chito” Vera, whom he had previously lost to at UFC 252 in August 2020. Despite receiving criticism for his decision, O’Malley emerged victorious with a dominant unanimous decision win over Vera. As the feud between Sterling, O’Malley, and Dvalishvili intensifies, the stage is set for a potentially explosive showdown inside the Octagon.
Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley Set for UFC 306 Bantamweight Title Showdown
LAS VEGAS, Nevada, August 15, 2020: (L-R) Merab Dvalishvili of Georgia punches John Dodson in their bantamweight bout during the UFC 252 event at UFC APEX on August 15, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Merab Dvalishvili has delivered exciting news, confirming his upcoming title fight against Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 in September. Dvalishvili, hailing from Tbilisi, has been on an impressive winning streak with 10 consecutive victories. Along the way, he has defeated notable opponents like former champion Petr Yan, Marlon Moraes, Jose Aldo, and John Dodson.
O’Malley, who secured the bantamweight title last August by defeating Dvalishvili’s close friend and training partner, Aljamain Sterling, will face Dvalishvili in their highly anticipated bout.
In addition to this matchup, fans can look forward to The Ultimate Fighter 32, featuring flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and former champion Valentina Shevchenko. Both fighters are expected to appear at UFC 306, following their headline bout last year during Mexican Independence Day weekend, which ended in a decision draw rematch.
