The UFC 306 main event between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili is one of the most anticipated main events of all time because of the event’s magnitude, and Alexander Volkanovski has offered his prediction for the blockbuster.
UFC bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley, is looking to further extend his status as one of the UFC’s biggest current stars by successfully defending his 135lb title against Merab Dvalishvili in what is one of the most highly anticipated combat sports events of all time at the Sphere.
Volkanovski breaks down blockbuster main event between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili
Former UFC featherweight king, Alexander Volkanovski, just like the fans is salivating over this incredibly intriguing matchup between striker and grappler.
Merab ‘The Machine’ has consistently showcased that he has weaponized his cardio with that being by far his most impressive attribute, whereas ‘Suga’ Sean has gained the majority of his stardom for being an electrifying counter striker.
Surprisingly to some, O’Malley opened up as the betting underdog for the UFC 306 main event but the odds have since shifted with him now sitting as a slight favorite.
Despite Dvalishvili’s incredible cardio, Volkanovski believes that he will leave himself open to being hit at points in this fight but will eventually secure the takedown that he will inevitably be looking for.
“Is (Dvalishvili) gonna be open to being hit, yes I believe so. I think Sean O’Malley’s eye is incredible, his movements gonna make it a little bit hard but his relentless takedown pressure or his pressure on takedowns, I think he’s gonna eventually get it unless he gets knocked out,” Volkanovski began to explain in a video on his YouTube channel.
“I don’t care how good your footwork is, you’re not gonna keep Merab away from you unless you put his lights out, that’s the only way that you don’t get taken down,” he continued.
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Alexander Volkanovski offers final prediction for UFC 306 main event
Volkanovski went on to compare Dvalishvili to himself, stating that he finds it hard to bet against fighters whose only way of losing is being knocked out.
“It’s always hard for me to bet against guys like Merab, I believe he’s like myself and quite a few fighters out there that are just never die attitude, never give up, they’re just constantly there and constantly grinding… I think I’m gonna have to go with Merab,” Volkanovski predicted.
Although the 35-year-old’s final prediction was Merab to win by decision, he did admit that he wouldn’t be surprised to see O’Malley pull off another viral knockout, further increasing his stardom.
The fan favorite also predicted that Brian Ortega and Valentina Shevchenko would pull off underdog victories in the people’s main event and the co-main event of the evening.