UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili plans to solidify his legacy as he eyes two more title defenses if he wins his bout with former champ Sean O’Malley.
Dvalishvili is set to defend his title again, but this time he’ll be facing Sean O’Malley—who he defeated last year to claim the belt. The bout is set to take place at UFC 316, and Dvalishvili is expecting a sharper and healthier version of O’Malley this time around. “The Machine” is hopeful of winning his second title defense, and if he’s successful, he doesn’t plan on taking any breaks.
During an interview with the recently retired Anthony Smith for ESPN, Dvalishvili made it clear that he wants to stay active following UFC 316. If he emerges victorious in Newark, he’ll have his sights set on two more title defenses.
“God willing, this will happen,” Dvalishvili told ESPN. “I’m working hard for the win and to defend my belt again. I don’t look at this one like an easy fight. It’s going to be a challenge, but after that, I want to be busy. I’m just going to take only one month off, and I will be back to training camp. I heard they will have a fight in Guadalajara, Mexico. I would like to fight there, and I would like to fight in New York or December, Vegas. Let’s see—if we get this one, then two more this year.”
The UFC is scheduled to host Noche UFC on Sept. 13 in Guadalajara, Mexico. They’re also expected to hold their two annual pay-per-view events in New York in November and in Las Vegas in December.
“I’m sure it’s going to be a big fight. We know he is the most popular in our weight class now,” Dvalishvili said. “But to be honest, for me, it’s about legacy, and every fight is important. I’m excited for this rematch just for fighting, and I’m going to try to finish. I want to try striking, I want to try different things.
“I know Sean will change his plan. He’s also saying he’s going to be a 70 percent better version, and I want to see this and test this. I’m more excited with this. Of course, thank God the UFC is a big organization, and every time we fight, we make good money. I’m good with money. I’m more excited to fight.”
Dvalishvili admits that the rematch might be tough, considering how formidable O’Malley was the first time. Despite his success, Dvalishvili agrees that O’Malley will be difficult to beat—but he knows that’s not the mentality he needs going into UFC 316.
“It’s hard to motivate myself,” Dvalishvili said. “I’m fighting the same guy. But I know this guy will be more dangerous. The first fight, I had a game plan, and I knew it was going to work against him. He had a game plan, and I stopped his game plan. Now I know what game plan he’s going to have—well, I’m guessing he’s going to attack from the beginning with either striking or kicks. He was waiting for me, and I was just keeping distance. Every time he closed distance, I was taking him down. This time, it’s going to be a different game. Every fight is a new experience, and I try to learn from everything.”
Despite his recent injury, “The Machine” is fully prepared for the fight and plans to keep himself in the good graces of the UFC.
