Sean O’Malley reacts to Petr Yan's fight booking against Merab Dvalishvili

Sean O’Malley is surprised that Petr Yan already has another fight booked.

O’Malley solidified himself as a top bantamweight contender by beating Yan with a controversial split decision at UFC 280. Several months later, ‘No Mercy’ signed on for his next fight against Merab Dvalishvili on March 11. During an episode of the BrOMalley Show, ‘Sugar’ had this to say about the upcoming bantamweight matchup featuring his former opponent:

“Petr, I think, is the better fighter, more skilled all around, but Merab can still get a hold of him, win rounds boringly, and get the job done. It is the main event. It is five rounds. I’m surprised Petr is ready to go that fast.”

Yan was on top of the world after beating Jose Aldo for the vacant bantamweight title in July 2020. In his next fight, the Russian lost the title to Aljamain Sterling by disqualification, which started a rough stretch of three losses in four fights. The 29-year-old will now look to get back on track against Dvalishvili in the UFC Vegas 71 main event.

Watch Sean O’Malley discuss Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili below:

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Sean O’Malley says he thinks Merab Dvalishvili is an interesting character

Sean O’Malley broke down Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili by giving his honest opinion of both fighters. Although ‘Sugar’ mostly teased Dvalishvili for his fighting style, he did say the Georgian could be fun to hang out with. He had this to say on the BrOMalley Show:

“So, he has this way [of fighting], and it’s just so boring. He’s an interesting character. Merab seems like a funny guy. He seems funny. I wouldn’t mind hanging out with him in another lifetime, even now, you know what I mean? Me and Merab shooting the s**t, playing some pool.”

UFC Vegas 71 could be Dvalishvili’s breakout moment. The 32-year-old holds a UFC record of 8-2, including six consecutive wins. Meanwhile, Yan can’t lose a third straight fight, or he might never fight for a world title again. On March 11, it’s time for these bantamweight contenders to separate themselves from the rest.