Sean O’Malley, the former UFC bantamweight champion, lost his title to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 on September 14, 2024, at The Sphere in Las Vegas. His coach, Tim Welch, recently suggested the venue’s unique lighting affected O’Malley’s performance, leading to a unanimous decision defeat. Welch shared his thoughts in an ESPN MMA interview on May 19, 2025, ahead of their rematch at UFC 316.
Welch analyzed the first fight, pointing to missed opportunities.
“I rewatched the fight in slow-mo so many times. There were tons and tons of shots that barely missed by inches that would have completely changed the fight, and I think a lot of it had to do with the Sphere and the lighting,” he said.
The Sphere’s advanced LED displays, used for a visually spectacular event, reportedly disrupted O’Malley’s striking accuracy.
Looking forward to the rematch on June 7, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, Welch expressed confidence.
“The shape he’s in right now, it’s hard for me not to bet that Sean’s going to TKO him. He’s going to find [Dvalishvili’s] chin at some point. If Merab takes a shot at the wrong time, Sean’s reactions are so good that he could be sleeping. So I’m thinking he’s gonna TKO him,” he stated.
Social media posts noted Welch’s bold prediction, with some questioning the lighting excuse while others backed O’Malley’s knockout potential.
From Rising Star to Bantamweight Contender
Sean O’Malley began his MMA career in 2015, earning a UFC contract in 2017 through Dana White’s Contender Series with a knockout win. Known for his flashy striking, he compiled an 18-2 record, capturing the bantamweight title at UFC 292 in August 2023 by knocking out Aljamain Sterling. He defended it against Marlon Vera at UFC 299 in March 2024, avenging a prior loss, but fell to Dvalishvili’s grappling at UFC 306.
Merab Dvalishvili, with a 19-4 record, claimed the bantamweight title with a dominant performance at UFC 306. His 12-fight win streak includes victories over Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, and Jose Aldo, showcasing his relentless wrestling. Dvalishvili’s only UFC losses came early in his career, and he hasn’t been defeated since 2018, earning praise from figures like Conor McGregor for his resilience.
O’Malley underwent hip surgery after UFC 306, addressing an injury that reportedly limited him during the fight. Welch believes a healthier O’Malley, free from The Sphere’s lighting issues, will capitalize on Dvalishvili’s aggressive style. Dvalishvili’s coach, John Wood, stated in a January 2025 interview that his fighter’s rapid improvement will counter O’Malley’s adjustments.
The rematch has sparked debate, with critics like Cory Sandhagen arguing other contenders deserved the shot, though Dvalishvili defended O’Malley’s opportunity. UFC CEO Dana White justified the booking as a fan-demanded fight, despite O’Malley’s decisive loss. Betting odds list Dvalishvili as a -295 favorite, with O’Malley at +225, reflecting the challenge ahead.
As UFC 316 approaches, Welch’s comments highlight O’Malley’s focus on reclaiming the title. The MMA community remains divided, with social media posts debating whether O’Malley can adapt to Dvalishvili’s wrestling or if The Sphere’s lighting was a valid factor. The rematch promises a high-stakes clash of styles.
