Sean O'Malley's Callout Sparks Controversy with Merab Dvalishvili Eyeing the Throne
Image Credit: Tom Nguyen
Sean O'Malley is coming off his first defence of his bantamweight title at UFC 299. O'Malley took a decision victory over Marlon Vera in Miami. In his post-fight interview, the champion called out featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. He wants to go for the double champ status. Bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili had a problem with O'Malley's callout.
The Bantamweight Division
The bantamweight division is on fire right now, and there are many fantastic fighters at 135. Many competitors would love a crack at O'Malley's title. The American has only defended his belt once. This surprised many people that he is already considering moving up a weight class. Dvalishvili has been tearing up the division and looks to be the next contender for the title. The Georgian is a fantastic fighter who can beat anyone in front of him. It will be great to see O'Malley and Dvalishvili collide in the Octagon. The two fighters are at the top of the game, so it is only a matter of time.
Merab Dvalishvili On Sean O’Malley
Dvalishvili spoke on the callout. He said there were no other options for O'Malley besides him. He elaborated on this when speaking to MMA Junkie.
"Sean looked good. He did what he was supposed to do. He did it in a very spectacular way," Dvalishvili said. I have so much respect for Sean as a fighter. But as a person, he's a little bit stupid. He should mention my name and call me out to make an even bigger fight. Me and him, we are fighting. There are no other fights for him or for me. This fight has to happen.
"I don't know. Somehow, O'Malley's not mentioning my name. He's not calling me out. This makes this fight an even bigger fight," Dvalishvili continued. "I was shocked (when O'Malley called out Topuria). Like, what is this guy doing? Either be quiet or don't call out somebody who won't fight you. Sean, it's not like he cleaned (out) the division or something. I was shocked. I was mad actually that he didn't call me out."
Quotes via MMA News
They are great competitors, and it will be interesting to see if they ever meet in the Octagon.
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