Alexander Volkanovski’s detailed breakdown of Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili sees the Georgian coming out on top at Noche UFC 306

Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili are set to duke it out for the bantamweight title at Noche UFC 306 on Sep. 14. The champion is currently marked as a slight favorite according to sportsbooks, but Alexander Volkanovski believes a new king will be crowned at 135 pounds come fight night.

'The Machine' is revered for his relentless wrestling style and has beaten three former UFC champions in his last three fights. Dvalishvili has waited patiently for his title shot, having opted against fighting close friend and teammate Aljamain Sterling during his bantamweight title reign.

But following O'Malley's UFC 292 victory over Sterling, a fight between 'Sugar' and the Georgian became one of the division's biggest fights. Ahead of the Noche UFC 306 card, Volkanovski broke down the main event, saying this:

"Sean O'Malley's striking is elite... I've said it from that start where people thought it was all hype... Merab is a proven fighter, tough, the wrestling, a cardio-machine that's always gonna be there. Is [Merab] gonna be open to being hit? Yes I believe so."

He continued:

"You're not gonna keep Merab away from you unless you put his lights out. That's the only way that you don't get taken down... Guys like Merab are hard to bet against. O'Malley's eye is so good though, but I think I'm gonna have to go with Merab."

Catch Alexander Volkanovski's comments below (12:45):

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Merab Dvalishvili says he's looking to turn Sean O'Malley's lights off at Noche UFC 306

Merab Dvalishvili will have a crack at the bantamweight title when he squares off against Sean O'Malley in a highly anticipated clash. With the expectation being that Dvalishvili's route to victory will be through his elite wrestling skillset, the title challenger has suggested he will knock the champion out.

'The Machine' holds one TKO victory in the promotion, a remarkable comeback victory against Marlon Moraes at UFC 266. A knockout win over O'Malley would certainly be a surprise to fans, and during a recent interview with MMAFighting, the Georgian said this:

"I don't want to overthink and I don't want to be cocky. First, I have to win this fight and after we can talk. One thing is for sure, I'm working hard and I'm very hungry and I'm going to surprise a lot of people. I'm looking for the knockout. Don't be surprised if I knock him out."

Catch Merab Dvalishvili's prediction for Sean O'Malley clash below (23:55):