February 22, 2024 4: 20 pm ET
UFC bantamweight champ Sean O’Malley has knowledgeable a modification of heart.
O’Malley, who veryfirst fulfills Marlon Vera on March 9 at UFC 299, stated this week that he would lookfor a champ-vs.-champ face-off with recently crowned featherweight titleholder Ilia Topuria over protecting his belt versus Merab Dvalishvili (assuming he gets by “Chito”). But after getting criticism from fans on social media, it appears he’s taken those messages into factortoconsider.
“Let me start with this: Initially I was calling for Ilia. I desired the Ilia battle. It delights me, however I likewise idea the fans would get thrilled about it. I got a lot of pushback stating, ‘You’re ducking Merab, Merab is next,’ so Merab is next,” O’Malley stated Thursday on his YouTube channel. “Let’s do Merab. I’m informing you guys: I knock Merab out.”
Dvalishvili staked his claim to a title shot – which UFC CEO Dana White supports – by winning a consentaneous choice over previous double champ Henry Cejudo last Saturday at UFC298 It was the 10th triumph in a row for Dvalishvili (17-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC), who hasn’t been beaten consideringthat April 2018.
O’Malley was in participation at Honda Center for Dvalishvili’s win