The stage is set for Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306. It will be O’Malley’s second bantamweight title defense, having won it last year. The buildup so far had some hilarious skits and tensions. With less than a week until the fight, O’Malley has presented provocative remarks that might irk Dvalishvili. It has something to do with his best friend, Aljamain Sterling.
Aljamain Sterling lost his bantamweight title to Sean O’Malley after being viciously dropped by ‘Suga’ at UFC 292. Sterling and Dvalishvili have been training partners for years and have maintained a close friendship. Dvalishvili hopes to win the belt while also taking revenge for his friend against O’Malley. However, the champion felt the friendship between Dvalishvili and Aljo remains questionable.
Aljo probably hopes I beat Merab, it makes Aljo look better. I’m just curious if Merab was happy that I knocked out Aljo because if I didn’t knock out Aljo, Merab would still be waiting around so I have a little theory that maybe they’re not as good buddies as we all thought.
Sean O’Malley via TMZ Sports
Dvalishvili is on a 10-fight winning streak and has waited a long time for his title shot. When offered the title shot, the Georgian fighter refused to fight his friend Sterling, delaying his opportunity even more. Now that Sterling is attempting to break into the featherweight division, the Georgian has the opportunity to potentially dominate the division.
😬Sean O’Malley doesn’t believe Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling are as good of friends as they let on:
“Aljo probably hopes I beat Merab, it makes Aljo look better. I’m just curious if Merab was happy that I knocked out Aljo because if I didn’t knock out Aljo, Merab… pic.twitter.com/nSNXqlN8Bq
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 8, 2024
Sterling and Dvalishvili practice at the Serra-Longo Fight Team, which is trained by Matt Serra and Ray Longo. Both fighters have a genuine relationship and have even created internet skits mocking O’Malley before the battle. Going into UFC 306, Aljo would undoubtedly favor Dvalishvili. With these recent comments, things have become more personal.
Sean O’Malley gets slammed for questioning Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili’s friendship
Aljamain Sterling never really liked Sean O’Malley for being well-liked by the UFC brass, and that was pretty evident. Since his title loss, Sterling has repeatedly criticized the champion. Sterling brought up O’Malley’s PED abuse and getting unfair support from UFC during his title run.
Aljamain Sterling responds to Sean O’Malley’s recent comments on him and Merab Dvalishvili (via X)A video of UFC top brass pressuring Sterling to take Sean O’Malley against his better judgment went viral recently. The ‘Funk Master’ claimed that he was merely a sacrificial lamb for the promotion to put O’Malley at the top. Sterling also gave a befitting reply to O’Malley for his comments on his relationship with Merab Dvalishvili.
Ppl tend to trash what they don’t have or never experienced.
Aljamain Sterling via X
The UFC has done its best to promote O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili which takes place at the iconic Sphere. Dana White has spent over $20 million and has promised fans the biggest combat sports event ever. O’Malley is confident about his chances and has already predicted a knockout finish against his opponent. As such, he could further elevate his superstar with a spectacular performance at Noche UFC.
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