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Merab Dvalishvili was able to defeat Sean O'Malley via unanimous decision at UFC 306 to capture the bantamweight title. Following the bout, 'Suga' claimed that he should have been declared the winner while demanding an immediate rematch in March. 'The Machine' recently revealed that he has no issue with his previous opponent's claims as it adds hype to a potential rematch.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show, the bantamweight champion was asked for his reaction to O'Malley's claims. Dvalishvili replied:
"Yes, he won this fight. Listen, I don't have a reaction. I'm not mad. Actually, I want him to promote this and I want more people to believe this and I want to fight him. Like I told you, I will not kiss him this time. I will try. I will try because I like him, but this time I will finish him. I will finish the fight. I will finish business. I'm not going to listen to Herb Dean and I'm going to go for a finish. I'm not mad when I see this. It's okay. I wish a rematch happens."
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Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments on Sean O'Malley below (24:08):
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Dvalishvili added that he has no idea who his next opponent will be. He noted that he has told the UFC he will be ready to return as soon as February and that he will face whoever they put in front of him.
Sean O'Malley previously called for Merab Dvalishvili rematch in March
Sean O'Malley revealed that he had labrum surgery following his UFC 306 loss to Merab Dvalishvili. 'Suga' revealed that he is hoping for a rematch in early 2025 during a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, stating:
"I'm saying March or April. I'm doing everything I can do to get back in there. My mindset, my ambition, my drive, everything is at an all-time high. I want to get back in the gym. I want to get back to work. I want to get back on the mats. I want to get back to do - I want to make that walk again and I want Merab next. I know I'm better than him. I need to right that wrong. I think Miami would just be sweet."
Check out Sean O'Malley's comments on rematching Merab Dvalishvili below (2:08:05):
O'Malley added that he was able to defeat Marlon 'Chito' Vera in Miami to avenge the only previous loss in his mixed martial arts career. It is unclear if the promotion has interest in giving the No. 1-ranked bantamweight an immediate rematch.
