The UFC 316 main event brings the rematch between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili for the UFC Bantamweight Championship.
In the first bout, Merab Dvalishvili dominated Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 in the impressive setting of The Sphere in Las Vegas.
Despite O’Malley claiming he won the fight, Dvalishvili won the UFC Bantamweight title by unanimous decision after dominating the American.
O’Malley has made a number of lifestyle changes since that defeat in anticipation of his rematch at UFC 316.
However, there are 3 key things he needs to do if he wants to beat Dvalishvili in New Jersey on June 7.
- READ MORE – Sean O’Malley’s coach doubles down on bizarre excuse for loss to Merab Dvalishvili at the Sphere
Sean O’Malley needs to utilize his height and reach advantage
The UFC 316 main event will need to be a striking match if O’Malley has a chance at winning, as he has numerous factors that make him superior to Dvalishvili on his feet.
O’Malley lands an average of 6.7 strikes per minute in the UFC, with an impressive 61% strike accuracy.
His combination of speed, power, and intelligence is what made O’Malley a champion, although he failed to show that in his first fight against Dvalishvili.
His 72-inch reach is 4 inches longer than the champion’s, while O’Malley stands at 5 feet 11 inches compared to the 5 feet 6 inches of Dvalishvili.
“Suga” can use these advantages to keep using his favored midsection kicks and long straight punches to wear down his opponent and keep him away from him as much as possible.
The former champion needs to use these physical traits to his advantage, although it is not the only thing he needs to utilize.
Merab Dvalishvili’s takedown offense is something Sean O’Malley needs to counter
Dvalishvili is called “The Machine” for a reason. He is relentless in attempting to take down his opponent and put them away on the mat.
With 6 takedowns in their first fight, O’Malley never had the chance to take control of the fight and was on the defensive for the bulk of it.
His Georgian opponent had control for over 10 minutes of the bout, with the American never once getting on top of Dvalishvili in a devastating loss.
Training to improve his takedown defense is key if O’Malley wants to beat the UFC Bantamweight Champion at UFC 316, although Joe Rogan doesn’t see how he’ll stop Dvalishvili and keep him off him for the full five rounds.
If he can stay on his feet, the previously mentioned reach advantage will come into play and will give O’Malley the best shot at walking out of New Jersey as champion again.
Sean O’Malley needs to make sure he’s fully recovered from his hip injury
After losing the first fight at UFC 306, O’Malley’s coaches blamed a hip injury on the result of that fight.
They claimed that the injury stopped him from doing enough training to prepare for the fight, leaving him without the ability to do any real grappling practice.
With his 6 takedowns helping Dvalishvili dominate on the mat in their fight, the Georgian was clearly aware of this issue and targeted O’Malley’s injuries throughout.
The American will need to be in top physical shape going into UFC 316 with no nagging injuries that require surgery weighing him down in the octagon.
He must get everything checked out and cleared before June 7 if O’Malley has any hope of beating Dvalishvili and becoming a 2-time UFC Bantamweight Champion.