Ahead of Sean O’Malley’s highly anticipated UFC bantamweight title bout against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316, his longtime jiu-jitsu coach, Augusto Mendes, shared his strong confidence. Mendes believes that a significantly more “mature” and completely healthy “Suga” is fully prepared to face the challenge and emerge victorious.
Mendes highlighted O`Malley`s current state of readiness, attributing it to a rigorous and lengthy 12-week training camp. He noted that in the past, O`Malley has been open about facing various issues and injuries leading up to important fights, which have sometimes impacted his performance. However, following this extended preparation period, Mendes feels O`Malley has overcome those past hurdles and is in peak condition.
Reflecting on previous challenges, Mendes mentioned that injuries, including a hip issue that hindered his ground training, sometimes affected O`Malley`s camps. He recalled that significant injuries even preceded O`Malley`s title-winning knockout of Aljamain Sterling, which Mendes described as more severe than issues faced before more recent bouts. Crucially, O`Malley enters this camp against Dvalishvili injury-free and ready to implement his full strategy.
According to Mendes, this preparation phase sees “Suga” ready to utilize his complete skillset across potentially five rounds of championship action. Mendes pointed to notable changes in O`Malley`s personal life – including giving up marijuana and reducing social media engagement, alongside recently becoming a father – as key factors contributing to his enhanced maturity and focus.
“He`s more mature now,” Mendes told MMA Fighting. He elaborated on O`Malley`s personal evolution, suggesting that turning 30 has brought a new perspective, moving beyond some of the typical experiences of one`s twenties, which were perhaps amplified by his public persona.
Mendes firmly believes that Merab Dvalishvili has not yet witnessed the best version of “Suga.” He anticipates that Dvalishvili may be surprised by O`Malley`s improved movement, power, and jiu-jitsu skills once the fight commences. “We`re very confident that Merab will see the best version of Sean now,” Mendes stated, underscoring their belief in O`Malley`s current form.
Acknowledging Dvalishvili`s impressive winning streak, which spans over seven years and positions him among the longest in UFC history, Mendes remains unconcerned. He reiterated his previous assessment that Dvalishvili is “hittable” and expressed strong confidence that O`Malley will be the one to put an end to this streak at UFC 316.
Emphasizing O`Malley`s comprehensive preparation, Mendes declared, “[O`Malley] can win in any area.” He affirmed O`Malley`s readiness for a demanding 25-minute war, even being prepared to win via decision if necessary. While analyzing Dvalishvili, Mendes described his style as potentially involving striking from a distance before attempting takedowns, contrasting it with his approaches in other fights. Regardless of Dvalishvili`s tactics, Mendes is certain O`Malley can adapt and find victory.
Mendes expressed high confidence in securing a knockout win but also hinted at the possibility of “some surprises on the ground.” He acknowledged Dvalishvili`s known toughness and difficulty to submit but suggested that O`Malley possesses specific tactics and “tricks up his sleeve” should the fight transition to grappling exchanges.
