Sean O’Malley, former UFC bantamweight champion, is focused on earning a third fight against Merab Dvalishvili after his submission loss at UFC 316 on June 7, 2025, in Newark, New Jersey. Dvalishvili, the current champion, defeated O’Malley for the second time, solidifying his reign.
On The Ariel Helwani Show, O’Malley discussed his need to become “undeniable,” confirmed a 2025 return, and addressed Cody Garbrandt’s recent criticism, expressing embarrassment over their similar appearances.
O’Malley’s Path to Redemption
O’Malley outlined his goal to reclaim a title shot.
“For me to earn another shot at Merab, I’ve got to be undeniable,” he said. “I have to go on a streak. I have to win a lot of fights in a row. And there’s a world that happens. I know I’m capable of beating Merab. I also know he’s capable of beating me. But there’s going to be part of me that always wants to get that one back. He’s the only guy to ever beat me. Chito (Vera) beat me, but I got that one back. I proved that one played out the way it was supposed to the first time.”
He added, “That one (vs. Dvalishvili) will I don’t want to say bug me because at the end of the day, I could play out my career and never get that one back, I’ll be happy with everything played out. But there’s a world where I’m undeniable and get that one back. But I’m happy for him. At the end of the day, it’s not like I hold anything (against him). Merab’s on a crazy streak right now, he’s the greatest bantamweight of all time.”
Born in Helena, Montana, on October 24, 1994, O’Malley started MMA in 2015. He joined the UFC in 2017 after a knockout win on Dana White’s Contender Series. O’Malley captured the bantamweight title by stopping Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 in August 2023 and defended it against Marlon Vera at UFC 299 in March 2024.
His UFC record stands at 10-3 (18-3 overall), with wins over Petr Yan and Raulian Paiva. Losses to Vera in 2020 and Dvalishvili in 2024 and 2025 mark his setbacks. At 30, O’Malley remains a major draw.
Merab Dvalishvili’s Reign
Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, on January 10, 1991, Dvalishvili began MMA in 2014. He entered the UFC in 2017, compiling a 13-2 UFC record (20-4 overall). Dvalishvili won the bantamweight title by defeating O’Malley at UFC 306 in September 2024 and defended it against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 in January 2025 and O’Malley at UFC 316.
His 13-fight win streak includes victories over Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, and Henry Cejudo. At 34, Dvalishvili is considered the division’s best, with Cory Sandhagen as a likely next opponent.
Tension with Cody Garbrandt
Garbrandt, a former bantamweight champion, criticized O’Malley’s UFC 316 performance at UFC Atlanta’s media day on June 11, 2025, saying O’Malley “looked like sh*t” against Dvalishvili.
O’Malley responded, “I saw Cody Garbrandt saying I looked like s—t against Merab, and that dude looked sharp in his fight that’s all I’ll say.”
Their rivalry dates back to 2020, fueled by verbal jabs and a heated press conference, though they never fought. Garbrandt’s loss to Raoni Barcelos at UFC Atlanta on June 14, 2025, weakened his position to call out O’Malley.
O’Malley reflected on Garbrandt’s look, saying:
“You know what was annoying? When I saw his hair was braided and he’s got those face tattoos, I was like, ‘F—k, that’s how people see me.’ It was just so embarrassing. I need to f—king get a new look.”
He added, “That was embarrassing. I was like, holy shit. That was an eye-opener. I was like, goddamn it, that’s how people probably look at me. It was embarrassing.”
Known for vibrant hair and tattoos, O’Malley plans to revamp his image.
Dvalishvili dominated O’Malley at UFC 316, outstriking him 135-34 and landing five of 12 takedowns. O’Malley improved his defense, stopping six early takedown attempts, but a north-south choke at 4:42 of the third round ended the fight, marking his first UFC submission loss.
O’Malley praised Dvalishvili’s strength, noting, “He felt freakishly strong.” Unlike their first fight, which required hip surgery, O’Malley emerged healthy, ready to return.
O’Malley confirmed his next fight.
“One hundred percent, I will fight again this year,” he said. “(The opponent is) to be determined. We’ll see how things play out. We’ll see.” He plans to stay at bantamweight, stating, “My next fight will be at 135, for sure. But eventually, someday, I think we’ll move up.”
Potential matchups include Umar Nurmagomedov or Garbrandt, though Dvalishvili’s title hold delays a trilogy.
Kayla Harrison claimed the women’s bantamweight title by submitting Julianna Peña in the co-main event. Kevin Holland submitted Vicente Luque, Mario Bautista outpointed Patchy Mix, and Joe Pyfer defeated Kelvin Gastelum. Joshua Van and Azamat Murzakanov earned stoppage wins on the prelims.
O’Malley remains positive, expressing gratitude for his family, including his newborn and four-year-old children. His focus is on a win streak to secure a third Dvalishvili fight, though he respects Dvalishvili’s skill.
