Dvalishvili Shadows O’Malley: Retains UFC Title with Brutal Submission

NEWARK, N.J. – Merab Dvalishvili demonstrated his dominance over Sean O’Malley on Saturday night, securing a submission victory in the third round at UFC 316 held at the Prudential Center. Dvalishvili (20-4) defeated O’Malley (18-3) to obtain the 135-pound title in a unanimous decision at UFC Noche in September. However, Saturday’s fight was not so close. Dvalishvili maintained constant pressure, outstriking O’Malley. In the third round, he took him down and secured a D’Arce choke, finishing the fight at 4:42. This victory represents Dvalishvili’s thirteenth consecutive win, tying for the fourth-longest winning streak in UFC history. In addition, he moved up to fourth place on the bantamweight wins list, with a total of 12.

I just work every day and repeat. Training is the most important thing for me. It doesn’t matter what you have, as long as you know where you are going and have a goal. Please, believe in your dreams and work for them. Everything is possible.

Merab Dvalishvili

O’Malley, who underwent hip surgery and made several changes in his life before the rematch, was respectful in defeat. He found no answer to Dvalishvili’s dominant style. Although he attempted some threatening blows, he was quickly surpassed in all statistics. According to UFC statistics, Dvalishvili outstruck O’Malley in total strikes, with a difference of 135-34, and completed five of twelve takedown attempts.

I didn’t expect it to be like this, unfortunately. Merab is a great fighter. I feel very grateful to be able to do this. I have a two-week-old son and another one who is 4 years old, and a perfect wife. I’m excited to go home and spend time with them. But Merab is a great fighter.

Sean O’Malley

This is the second defense of the 135-pound title for Dvalishvili, who defended his belt for the first time against Umar Nurmagomedov in January. His next fight is expected to be against the number one contender, Cory Sandhagen. The fight on Saturday marked the first time O’Malley has lost by submission. Dvalishvili entered the weekend ranked as the fourth-best pound-for-pound fighter in the world in the UFC.