Merab Dvalishvili, a former UFC champion, anticipates that Sean O’Malley will secure a knockout win against Aiemann Zahabi on June 14.
The highly anticipated O’Malley vs. Zahabi bout is scheduled to take place on the South Lawn of the White House as part of the UFC Freedom 250 event.
Despite having faced “Suga” Sean O’Malley twice, resulting in back-to-back losses for O’Malley and the loss of his title to Dvalishvili, “The Machine” still maintains that O’Malley possesses superior striking abilities and has the potential to defeat Zahabi.
Merab Dvalishvili Analyzes the Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi Bout on June 14
In a recent conversation with Ariel Helwani, Dvalishvili expressed his opinion that the 38-year-old Canadian contender, who is currently on a seven-fight winning streak, lacks the necessary wrestling skills to successfully take down O’Malley, as Dvalishvili himself did in their previous encounters. Consequently, Dvalishvili believes O’Malley will emerge victorious by knockout on June 14.
“I have a liking for Zahabi, but naturally, my support is with Sean O’Malley. I believe Sean O’Malley will win this fight due to his significant knockout power. I admire him, and now I admire him even more. The only moment that brought disappointment was his victory over my friend Aljamain Sterling.”
Dvalishvili and O’Malley maintain a relationship of mutual respect, keeping their professional competition separate from their personal connection.
Meanwhile, the 35-year-old Georgian fighter is slated for a rematch against the current two-time bantamweight champion Petr Yan later this year. Yan defeated Dvalishvili at UFC 323 last year, interrupting Dvalishvili’s pursuit of becoming the first UFC champion to achieve four successful title defenses within a single year.
Following his title loss, the UFC has guaranteed Dvalishvili an immediate rematch. Once Yan, who underwent back surgery earlier this year, receives medical clearance, the two fighters will meet for a third time to settle their trilogy, which is currently tied at one win apiece.
English Translation and Paraphrasing:
Merab Dvalishvili Predicts Sean O’Malley Knockout Victory Over Aiemann Zahabi
Merab Dvalishvili, a former UFC champion, believes that Sean O’Malley will defeat Aiemann Zahabi by knockout on June 14. The fight is set to take place at the White House as part of UFC Freedom 250.
Despite having lost twice to O’Malley and dethroning him, Dvalishvili still sees O’Malley as the superior striker who can finish Zahabi.
During an interview with Ariel Helwani, Dvalishvili stated that Zahabi, currently on a seven-fight win streak, does not possess enough wrestling to take down O’Malley as Dvalishvili did. Therefore, Dvalishvili expects O’Malley to knock Zahabi out on June 14.
Dvalishvili commented, “I like Zahabi, but of course I’m rooting for Sean O’Malley. I think Sean O’Malley will win this fight because he has good knockout power. I love him, and now I love him 10 times more… The only heartbreaking moment was his win against my friend Aljamain Sterling.”
Dvalishvili and O’Malley share a respectful rivalry, maintaining their personal bond separate from their competition.
Dvalishvili is expected to face Petr Yan in a rematch later this year. Yan previously defeated Dvalishvili at UFC 323, ending his bid to become the first UFC champion with four title defenses in a year.
The UFC has promised Dvalishvili an immediate rematch. Once Yan is medically cleared after his back surgery, they will complete their trilogy, currently standing at 1-1.