Two weeks after taking his bantamweight title at UFC 306, Merab Dvalishvili has offered Sean O’Malley the chance to avenge the defeat.
‘Suga’ held the 135 lbs throne for 13 months before losing at the Sphere earlier this month. During his reign, the fan-favorite managed to successfully defend his throne once when he put on a dominant display against Marlon Vera at UFC 299.
Sean O’Malley’s reign was cut short by the imposing Merab Dvalishvili, though he may have a chance to redeem himself.
As he looks ahead to his next fight, ‘The Machine’ has announced his interest in a rematch with O’Malley.
“I hear O’Malley thinks he won the fight and is looking for a rematch,” Dvalishvili said in a post on X. “If he wants it, he can have it.”
“Let’s do November 16th at the Garden and then I’ll still defend the title against whoever the UFC wants me to fight next.”
“What do you think? Sean O’Malley.”
I hear O’Malley thinks he won the fight and is looking for a rematch. If he wants it he can have it. Let’s do it November 16th at the Garden and then I’ll still defend the title against whoever the UFC wants me to fight next. What do you think? @SugaSeanMMA
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) September 27, 2024
Dvalishvili’s offer could be an enticing one for O’Malley. The former titleholder insists the judges got the decision wrong, stating his belief that he won three of five rounds against the Georgian.
The champion ideally wants the fight to take place at UFC 309 — a card headlined by Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic.
Related: Merab Dvalishvili makes bold claim about Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev
Is Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley 2 on the horizon?
While, yes, a rematch down the line is possible for the two, it will not take place next.
Heading into the bout, Sean O’Malley was struggling with injuries and has a surgery booked — likely keeping him out until mid-2025.
O’Malley’s absence will stunt Dvalishvili’s plans, though he does have a contender willing to step into the fire and fight him next.
After having arguably the best performance of his career last time out, Umar Nurmagomedov has been calling for his shot at the title.
However, no news has been released on Merab Dvalishvili’s first defense at this time.