According to his head coach, John Wood, Merab Dvalishvili possesses a rare ability to wear down opponents mentally, often through relentless pressure and conditioning. However, Wood doesn`t believe those were the primary factors behind Sean O`Malley`s struggles in their second fight at UFC 316.
Following his decision victory over O`Malley last September, the reigning bantamweight champion delivered an even more impressive performance in the rematch, securing a submission finish with a third-round choke. While Dvalishvili`s wrestling and grappling prowess were evident, Wood suggests O`Malley`s spirit began to falter even earlier, during striking exchanges.
“I truly believe a knockout was possible,” Wood commented. “Perhaps not everyone noticed, but Merab was connecting well and rocked him a couple of times. The objective is always to finish the fight however we can, but first and foremost, to win. Merab brings unique qualities, and I stand by my earlier statement that he could have finished his last three opponents. There are moments in those fights where the opponent simply broke and no longer wanted to be there. They exhibit behaviors, consciously or subconsciously, that indicate they`re looking for a way out, offering opportunities to end the fight.”
Wood identified a couple of instances where O`Malley seemed to break, but the most significant occurred when Dvalishvili bypassed O`Malley`s takedown defense, lifted him, and slammed him forcefully onto the canvas.
O`Malley had cited a hip injury as a reason for limited grappling training before the first fight, but he had no such excuse for the rematch. While Wood credited O`Malley for improving, he felt that slam takedown significantly impacted him.
“I believe that was the beginning,” Wood stated regarding the slam`s effect. “Even in the first round, we had moments of success. I told Merab throughout camp that there would be a quick moment early in the fight where Sean would think, ‘Oh no, this feels very similar, but worse.’ I think that happened after the first round. But certainly, when another man picks you up and slams you around like a child, and it feels like nothing you try is working, it’s impossible not to feel a certain way. Merab just seems to have Sean’s number. That dynamic sometimes occurs in fights based on styles.”
Wood had repeatedly stated his expectation for Dvalishvili to seek a finish in the rematch and wasn`t surprised when the Georgian fighter locked in the third-round choke.
Despite the impressive finish, Wood insists that Dvalishvili is only beginning to showcase his potential to finish opponents and expects O`Malley to be the first of many.
“Mark my words, this won`t be his last submission,” Wood declared. “There will be knockouts and technical knockouts too. He is constantly improving. While Sean did improve from the first fight – he defended takedowns better and had moments later in the rounds previously – as a coach, my job is to analyze what the opponent plans to improve in a rematch and adjust our strategy, timings, and approach accordingly, which worked perfectly.”
“Merab is exceptional. People are finally recognizing this. His timing, vision, and ability to listen and learn are special. He can adapt to anyone at any time. He processes information rapidly and executes it effectively, even in chaotic situations.”
With two victories over O`Malley, including a finish, Dvalishvili is now focused on new challenges. Potential contenders like Cory Sandhagen and Mario Bautista, whom he hasn`t faced, are likely candidates. However, Dvalishvili remains open to rematches if the UFC desires.
Considering the current state of the bantamweight division, Wood anticipates Dvalishvili will target new opponents, putting O`Malley in the past, yet he doesn`t entirely rule out the possibility of the UFC booking a third fight later on.
“In realistic terms, I’d say we won’t see it again soon,” Wood commented on a potential trilogy. “However, in the context of the UFC, a significant win changes everything. If O’Malley achieves a stunning knockout in his next fight, everyone will quickly support him again… and he might start making comments like, ‘When I fought Merab the second time… I’m not saying he has, but perhaps claim an injury or similar reason to justify another shot. After one or two more impressive knockouts, you know how the sport works.”
“If the UFC believes they can market it effectively and generate revenue, they will do it. The sport isn`t strictly about rankings where the next best guy always fights the champion. That’s not the reality. So, I do see a potential for O’Malley to re-enter the mix after some time.”
Wood discussed what O’Malley would need to do to earn a third fight against Dvalishvili.
His coach acknowledges it`s a significant climb back up the bantamweight ranks but doesn`t underestimate O`Malley, though he believes a third fight is highly improbable in the near future.
“I don’t think Sean will be considered the next top contender for quite a while,” Wood said. “There are other fighters ahead of him. He would need to face and decisively defeat a series of top contenders to get back into position. Regarding him, considering a move to 145 pounds – those fighters are larger. While O’Malley has size and reach advantages at bantamweight, he would need to gain muscle. Based on what I see, his frame isn`t very big, so that might not be the wisest move.”
“However, I believe there are winnable fights for him at 135 pounds. He can navigate those, win a couple more, and then make a decision about his path. He`s clearly a very talented fighter that people want to watch.”
