Fight strategies are often kept under wraps in MMA. But sometimes, a fighter’s game plan is so unbelievable, that it draws instant skepticism. Enter Merab Dvalishvili, the Georgian grappling machine potentially set to face Sean O’Malley. His recent claim about his fight strategy has raised eyebrows and tickled funny bones, especially for Michael Bisping.
Merab Dvalishvili is known for his relentless wrestling, which was on full display in his recent fight against Henry Cejudo. Recently, he dropped a bombshell on Michael Bisping’s podcast. Dvalishvili declared his intention to strike with the notorious knockout artist, Sean O’Malley. But Michael Bisping wasn’t buying it.
Thank you [Anthony Smith]. I was gonna say, Merab you are full of sh*t.
Michael Bisping via his YouTube Channel
Merab Davlishvili revealed that he intended to fully strike with Sean O’Malley instead of using his signature wrestling. Anthony Smith, another UFC veteran present during the interview, joined the chorus of disbelief. Dvalishvili’s claim is akin to a chess grandmaster challenging Usain Bolt to a sprint. It’s technically possible but highly improbable.
Merab Dvalishvili says his gameplan is to strike with Sean O’Malley when they meet inside the Octagon later this year, and Anthony Smith and Michael Bisping call BS. 😂
Bisping: “Sean O’Malley, what’s gonna happen when you guys fight?”
Merab: “What’s gonna happen is now I’m… pic.twitter.com/MHsIBc2TdK
— Parry Punch (@ParryPunchNews) July 9, 2024
The Georgian fighter’s wrestling prowess is well-documented. He’s known for grinding opponents down with takedowns and top control. O’Malley, on the other hand, is a striking savant. His highlight reel is filled with spectacular knockouts and flashy combinations. Dvalishvili insisting on a striking match is like bringing a spoon to a knife fight. It’s admirable but not exactly practical. It remains to be seen whether Dvalishvili will keep this approach or utilize his strengths to his advantage.
Merab Dvalishvili gets a nod from UFC Hall of Famer
The UFC bantamweight division is heating up, and Hall of Famer Urijah Faber just threw fuel on the fire. Faber dropped a bombshell about the potential matchup between champion Sean O’Malley and contender Merab Dvalishvili. He called Dvalishvili a “wild card” and a “Kryptonite matchup” for O’Malley.
Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili (via BJ Penn)Faber, known for his sharp insights, didn’t pull any punches. The former champ painted a vivid picture of Dvalishvili’s fighting style. He described it as’ in your face,’ and said Dvalishvili’s wrestling pressure was intense. It gets the point across about Dvalishvili’s fighting state.
Merab [Dvalishvili] is a wild card. He just looks like a fu**ing badass. He just marches forward; it’s ugly, in your face, and he drowns motherfu**ers…this might be the one matchup that is the Kryptonite [for O’Malley].
Uriah Faber via Mighty YT
Faber acknowledged O’Malley’s technical superiority but praised Dvalishvili’s toughness. He compared the Georgian fighter to a dog that would “run through a brick wall.” The Hall of Famer’s words carry weight in the MMA community. His prediction has set tongues wagging and keyboards clacking across the sport.
