In the Clinch: Confident O’Malley Eager to Put Away Dvalishvili, UFC 306 – Sean O’Malley knows he is the betting underdog going into his title defense against grappling specialist Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 on Saturday.
According to the critics, O’Malley (18-1-0, 1NC), 29, has had it easy since defeating Aljamain Sterling for the belt just over a year ago. He defended the belt in convincing fashion against Marlon Vera, the rival that handed him his only loss.
And now it’s time shut up the critics once again, this time by taking down the grappling machine, Dvalishvili.
No one has been able to solve the No. 1 Dvalishvili (17-4-0), 33, since his UFC debut. He tightened up his grappling and even collected a TKO three fights ago. The man is determined to make his native country of Georgia proud. And as we saw on social media, he has a screw loose too, which certifies him to his fans.
It is almost essential that Dvalishvili get the takedown and use it to wear out O’Malley. He cannot afford to try and strike with a knockout artist. I think any striking Dvalishvili uses will be designed to secure a takedown or a clinch.
It’s the same thing for O’Malley. He needs to control the distance on the feet so he can enter and exit the pocket to land his shots safely. Avoid the fence and any easy opportunities for Merab to get the shot. Fortunately for him, every round starts standing up. Merab will have to come to him, and he can use that to play his striking off.
It’s a classic battle of striking and grappling to me. At this stage, they will have to use what brought them to this Noche dance. Someone might have a trick up their sleeve.
I think it’s O’Malley.
But let’s not forget all the fighters on UFC 306 are under pressure to deliver on Dana White’s 20 million dollar plus investment. Even the production staff is on high alert.
So, let’s enjoy this tribute to the Mexican fighters and their culture. This is a rare opportunity for the UFC to express some creativity.
Arriba!
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Sean O’Malley
Merab Dvalishvili
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