Merab Dvalishvili recently shared his thoughts on Sean O’Malley’s upcoming rematch for the UFC Bantamweight Championship, expressing his belief that the fighter deserves the chance to reclaim the title. Appearing on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Dvalishvili gave an insightful and respectful take on the situation, emphasizing that, despite the criticism O’Malley has faced, he feels the champion is rightfully in line for a rematch.

“Even though a lot of people criticize O’Malley getting the rematch, I think he deserves it,” Dvalishvili stated. His comments come at a time when many have questioned whether O’Malley should be granted an immediate title shot, especially following his controversial win in their previous fight. Dvalishvili, however, seems unbothered by the skepticism surrounding O’Malley’s second chance, and he’s eager to see how things play out in their upcoming bout.

The Georgian bantamweight also addressed O’Malley’s behavior following their initial encounter, where some fans felt O’Malley made excuses for his performance. “He made lots of excuses after the fight,” Dvalishvili remarked. However, Dvalishvili acknowledged that O’Malley has since undergone surgery, and he believes this will lead to changes in his approach for their next fight. The improvements are something Dvalishvili is looking forward to, as he believes O’Malley will come into the bout with a new game plan, one that could change the dynamics of the fight. “He will make adjustments, and he will change the game plan. It’s going to be a totally different fight,” Dvalishvili explained.

As for his own preparations, Dvalishvili plans to make adjustments as well. “I’m going to make some adjustments, too,” he said, signaling his readiness for a rematch that he believes will be far from a repeat of their first meeting. The two fighters are expected to bring new strategies to the cage, making the rematch an intriguing prospect for fans.

In their first encounter, O’Malley’s striking was a key aspect of his success, with his lethal body kicks and sharp striking often leaving opponents with little room to recover. Dvalishvili is well aware of these strengths, but he also has plans to test his own striking against the champion. “I know he will attack me from the beginning with the body kicks and striking, and I want to test my striking, too,” Dvalishvili noted. This indicates that he is preparing for a battle that is not just about grappling and control, but one where he will engage with O’Malley in striking exchanges, something fans haven’t often seen from Dvalishvili in his previous UFC appearances.

The highly anticipated rematch between Dvalishvili and O’Malley is set to headline UFC 316, a major event scheduled to take place on June 7 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This fight will be a chance for O’Malley to prove that he can adjust and come back stronger after their last encounter. On the other side, Dvalishvili will be looking to cement his position as the undisputed bantamweight champion by defending his title against a worthy challenger.

In addition to the main event, UFC 316 will feature another title fight in the co-main event, as Julianna Pena defends her UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship against Kayla Harrison. Both of these title bouts promise to deliver excitement and high-stakes action, adding to the overall anticipation surrounding the event.

With UFC 316 rapidly approaching, fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an electrifying night of fights. Dvalishvili’s confidence and willingness to take on O’Malley with a fresh perspective only adds to the intrigue of this highly anticipated rematch. The clash between the two bantamweight fighters will be one of the most talked-about events of the summer, as it is set to showcase the skills, heart, and determination of both athletes.

Keep an eye on BJPenn.com for the latest updates and details on UFC 316 as the event draws nearer. The Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley rematch is poised to be a fight that could define the future of the bantamweight division, and it’s a battle that fans will not want to miss. With both fighters expected to come in with new strategies and adjustments, UFC 316 is shaping up to be a night full of surprises and unforgettable moments.