Combat sports icon Demetrious Johnson shared details about a recent training session he had with Sean O’Malley as O`Malley prepares for UFC 316.
Sean O’Malley is seeking redemption when he faces UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili in the main event of UFC 316 in Newark this Saturday. In preparation for the rematch, O`Malley has put in significant work, including training with elite athletes to help him potentially regain the title.
However, this bout against Dvalishvili at UFC 316 represents a significant test for O’Malley, particularly following Dvalishvili`s recent victory over the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311. O’Malley is also making his return after a nine-month layoff due to hip surgery he underwent immediately after their initial encounter at UFC 306.
To prepare for Dvalishvili`s challenging style at UFC 316, O’Malley enlisted the help of two UFC legends. One of these training partners gained valuable insight into O`Malley`s potential strategy for the upcoming rematch.
Demetrious Johnson Highlights Key Technique for Sean O’Malley Against Dvalishvili
Demetrious Johnson, who retired from MMA last year but remains active in training, was one of the legends, alongside Israel Adesanya, who trained separately with O’Malley in Arizona. During their sparring session, a particular technique employed by O`Malley caught the attention of the former UFC flyweight king.
Speaking on a recent episode of the MightyCast podcast, Johnson detailed a technique O’Malley used that impressed him and suggested it could be crucial for UFC 316. Johnson commented on O`Malley`s physique, saying, “I was with him and was like ‘You look strong, you look like you put on some muscle on, looks like you’ve been grappling this camp’”.
Regarding their sparring, he added, “We did 3 rounds, that front kick [teep] is dangerous. He hit me with it and I was ‘Oh, that’s your move right there’, that front kick. The same move that hurt Merab in the last fight.” Johnson speculated on the outcome: “And I think looking at this fight with him versus Merab, it’s going to come down to, can Sean break the machine? Or does the machine run over Sean? That’s where I think that fight is going to play out…”
Johnson elaborated on the effectiveness of the teep, stating, “When I felt his teep, that’s his ‘bread and butter’ to force me to come across the void and do something. If he’s going to come get me, he’ll teep me and force me to grapple him, or to stifle me.”
Although O’Malley lost clearly on the scorecards in their previous fight with Dvalishvili, he significantly troubled his rival in the final moments with a damaging body kick. However, Dvalishvili withstood this late assault and secured a unanimous decision victory.
For the UFC 316 rematch, O’Malley has reportedly focused heavily on grappling in his training camp, intending to use it against Dvalishvili. Nevertheless, kicks, particularly the teep, could still play a crucial role if O`Malley pulls off the upset.
Sean O’Malley Drew Inspiration from Conor McGregor for Dvalishvili Rematch
Leading up to UFC 316, O’Malley looked to Conor McGregor‘s notable rematch against Nate Diaz at UFC 202 for inspiration. Following reports of O`Malley studying McGregor`s past fights, McGregor himself publicly praised O`Malley on social media.
The relationship between O’Malley and McGregor has been somewhat volatile over time, including a public social media dispute that escalated into a challenge for a fight that ultimately never happened.
However, the two prominent UFC figures have since resolved their past issues. McGregor himself is potentially planning a return to competition later this year after being absent from the Octagon for four years.
Jack Thornley