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Merab Dvalishvili does not look at his upcoming fight with Sean O'Malley as a classic striker vs. grappler matchup. The Georgian fighter will challenge O'Malley for the bantamweight title in the Noche UFC 306 main event.
While O'Malley is widely regarded as one of the most creative strikers in the UFC, Dvalishvili is known for his legendary cardio and dominant wrestling game. However, 'The Machine' believes that he and his opponent are not confined to their core competencies and can surprise each other in the fight.
Speaking about O'Malley's grappling, Dvalishvili said in an interview with ESPN MMA:
"I'm sure he is good on the ground. We all know his jiu-jitsu is good. He has been training in jiu-jitsu. I don't think he is only dangerous in striking. He will be dangerous in wrestling too. As a professional fighter, I have to give him respect everywhere."
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He added:
"We all train [in all disciplines]. Everybody knows me as a grappler but I can hit too. Don't be surprised if I knock him out because it's MMA. I'm accepting [every possibility]. Maybe Sean O'Malley shoots a double leg. He has a double leg if he cuts the angle. He shoots [takedowns] against some people."
Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments below (3:28):
Merab Dvalishvili says Noche UFC 306 fight against Sean O'Malley will bring two of his dreams into reality
Speaking further in the aforementioned interview with ESPN MMA, Merab Dvalishvili highlighted the importance of his upcoming fight for his career goals.
Dvalishvili hailed fighting at The Sphere to commemorate Mexican Independence Day as a special opportunity and added:
"I always wanted to fight Sean O'Malley because he was a superstar ever since he signed with the UFC. I looked at him as a big challenge and I always wanted to fight him. But of course, my dream was to fight for the belt. Now both [my wishes] are coming together - fighting the guy who always wanted to fight and then I am fighting him for the belt." [5:12]
Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley is one of the most intriguing stylistic matchups in the UFC. Heading into the fight, O'Malley is a slight -135 betting favorite over the +114 underdog Dvalishvili.
