Sean O`Malley may have discovered a key weakness in Merab Dvalishvili, according to one analyst.
The highly anticipated UFC 316 event is approaching, featuring Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili defending his belt against challenger Sean O’Malley this Saturday in Newark, New Jersey. (Note: This reflects the championship status as stated in the original article, not necessarily current real-world UFC standings.)
This upcoming bout marks a rematch, as the article claims Dvalishvili previously defeated O`Malley, the then-champion, at UFC 306 last September. In that initial encounter, Dvalishvili controlled the fight for five rounds, earning a unanimous decision victory based on the original text`s description.
Dvalishvili has stated he wasn`t fighting at full capacity in their first meeting and intends to finish `Suga` Sean in the rematch.
O`Malley faces a significant challenge in this next fight due to Dvalishvili`s relentless wrestling pressure and exceptional endurance.
Despite O’Malley’s difficulties in their UFC 306 contest as described in the source, a former UFC standout suggests O’Malley revealed a vulnerability in Dvalishvili during the final stages of that bout.
Dan Hardy Suggests Sean O`Malley Should Target Merab Dvalishvili`s Body
According to former UFC title challenger and analyst Dan Hardy, O’Malley visibly affected Dvalishvili in the fifth round of their previous fight with a front kick to the body, causing him to move defensively around the cage.
This significant kick landed with about 90 seconds remaining in the championship fight, and after absorbing a couple more body strikes, Dvalishvili was seen checking the time, which Hardy considered a clear sign of distress.
“He needs to be more active in seeking finishes,” Hardy commented on O’Malley during his analysis video.
“The way that final round unfolded, with the front kick to the midsection hurting Merab and him looking at the clock, that was a clear sign of distress.”
“Merab’s midsection is the clear area to attack.”
“I believe O’Malley recognized there was another path to winning besides landing a knockout punch to the head – targeting the body was effective.”
“That’s where Sean O’Malley should focus his offense. Front kicks to the body are the obvious starting point for O’Malley. If he can land effectively, he can deplete Merab’s energy reserves. These body kicks pair well with knees to the midsection, which are particularly effective against fighters who frequently attempt takedowns.”
“You have to slow down fighters like that and inflict damage in ways they cannot easily ignore psychologically,” Hardy explained regarding the strategy to defeat Dvalishvili.
Dan Hardy Predicts Sean O`Malley Will Win with a `Clean` Strike
Dvalishvili is widely regarded as having top-tier cardio in the UFC, making body strikes potentially crucial for diminishing his stamina at UFC 316.
Naturally, O’Malley must first overcome Dvalishvili’s grappling dominance and whatever other tactics he plans for Saturday night.
Although Hardy acknowledges Dvalishvili could repeat his victory, ‘The Outlaw’ leans towards O’Malley winning the second fight.
“O’Malley possesses the necessary skills and technique to potentially finish Merab,” Hardy stated.
“If Merab executes his strategy effectively, he should be able to overwhelm and wear down O’Malley…”
“However, despite that, I believe we will see a third fight between them,” Hardy added, suggesting this rematch might lead to a rubber match.
“I have a sense that O’Malley might snatch a win here with a precise strike while Merab is pushing forward aggressively.”
Jack Thornley