- Daniel Cormier believes Sean O’Malley has to tremendously improve in order to take his title back because Merab Dvalishvili is a matchup problem
- DC thinks “Suga” should learn how to react quicker to “The Machine’s” takedowns
Daniel Cormier assumes a tough journey back to bantamweight supremacy for Sean O’Malley following UFC 306.
Merab Dvalishvili kissing Sean O Malley 😂 #ufc pic.twitter.com/1pNHjSCH10
— MMABRED (@bredinmma) September 15, 2024
It’s a difficult road for Sean
Discussing his thoughts on UFC 306 as he wrapped up the event via his YouTube channel, DC weighed in on what lies ahead of “Suga” after losing his title to Merab Dvalishvili. The way Cormier sees it, O’Malley would need to improve his overall game, including his mindset as reclaiming his belt against “The Machine” would be a difficult assignment.
“Sean O’Malley, the road back will be difficult, you know,” Cormier said. “It’s hard to get yourself back to that level once you’ve been there and you recognize the stardom that comes with becoming the champion. He never gave up on himself. He should be proud about that. But he was in there with a guy that really will be a matchup problem for him every time that they fight.”
DC gives Sean some advice
As a world-class wrestler, Cormier pointed out that O’Malley was a bit “slow” in reacting and reading Dvalishvili’s takedowns which ultimately cost him his title. DC thinks that O’Malley did a great job trying to go for a finish but what he truly needs to work on is his ground game.
“He’s just got to get better with the wrestling, better at the defending takedowns and he’s got to just really react a little earlier. I think his reactions were a little slow. That’s why Merab was able to knock him off of his feet,” Cormier said.
“If you’re a Sean O’Malley fan, you should be proud that your guy didn’t give up on himself, and he really did give himself a chance in Round 5. If you’re the coaches, you’re proud of your athlete because you told him in Round 5 that he needed to go and try to get a finish, and that’s exactly what he tried to do,” he continued.
O’Malley did exactly that as he was seen having some takedown defense training session quickly after UFC 306. While some expect “Suga” to bounce back in a rematch, O’Malley said he isn’t thinking about it for now and he might take a year-long break from fighting.
Watch DC’s full video below: