Prediction for the fight Sean O'Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili

The story of Sean O'Malley's confrontation with the Serra-Longo Fight Team alumni continues. Having taken the title from Aljamain Sterling, "Sugar" successfully defended it and is now set to meet the defeated ex-champion's comrade, Merab Dvalishvili. Their fight will headline a historic event at the Sphere Arena in Las Vegas on September 15 and is likely to become one of the most intriguing clashes in the bantamweight division. Especially since the chances of victory here are extremely close.

• Sean O'Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili;
• Sean O'Malley;
• Merab Dvalishvili;
• Comparative analysis;
• Game Totals Prediction.

Sean O'Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili

Sean O'Malley

"Sugar" is the current champion with one belt defense under his belt. Sean, in 11 fights under the UFC banner, has already won 9 bonus payments, and is deservedly considered one of the most popular MMA fighters on the planet. In the past, he has already "championed" in Intense CF, and also has a brown belt in BJJ, due to which he took 1 victory by submission in his entire career up to the present moment.

Strengths

This is an extra-class striker, possessing knockout power, an excellent sense of distance and speed. Sean is maneuverable, defends well against takedowns, and acting from behind, he can confidently tie up an opponent. And at medium-long range, he has no equal, since from there, kicks fly at the opposition, hitting the calves and stomach, along with sharp punches that ensure a deep and healthy sleep.

Weaknesses

In the vertical, O'Malley is impeccable, but on the ground floor, you can still find some flaws. It is obvious that he is capable of simply resisting top wrestlers, but he is not capable of working with them on equal terms, and even more so, creating problems. Otherwise, it is very difficult to find a gap in the American's defense.

The current form and readiness of the fighter

Sean is 29 years old and has not known defeat since 2021, going on a series of 6 victories. "Sugar" avenged the defeat to Marlon Vera, knocked out Aljamain Sterling and showed a close fight with Petr Yan. The champion has reached the peak not only in popularity, but also in his skills, because he looks simply magnificent in striking. And now, O'Malley has gone the five-round distance, so his form can be described as excellent.

Merab Dvalishvili

This is the number one ranked fighter and one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. Merab, a black belt in judo, is a rare professional athlete who began his career in martial arts with khridoli, the national martial art of Georgia. Thanks to his skills on the ground, Dvalishvili won the ROC title, and despite a disastrous start in the UFC, he went on a long winning streak, becoming a contender for the organization's belt for the first time in his career.

Strengths

Merab is associated with fights in a horizontal position, but in addition to excellent control of the opponent, ground and pound, an endless number of takedown attempts and work near the net, he also knows how to hit. Moreover, recently Dvalishvili has pumped up low and middle kicks, began to pull opponents apart and charge for combos, getting the opportunity to get closer and then transfer to the ground. And his cardio allows him to work at a high pace for 5 rounds.

Weaknesses

The only thing that is lacking in "Mashina" is the accuracy of those punches, along with timing. A meeting with a high-class striker will definitely reveal this shortcoming, and he will have to look for opportunities to win solely through wrestling, which is also not critical.

The current form and readiness of the fighter

Dvalishvili is 33 years old, his winning streak consists of 10 fights, where he defeated three former champions: Petr Yan, Jose Aldo and Henry Cejudo, as well as Marlon Moraes and Cody Stamann. Merab is in good shape, this is definitely his best condition of all time and, in fact, he will have to fight a striker once again. True, his caliber is completely different, but there is no reason to doubt the candidate's readiness, especially since his trainers have studied O'Malley very well.

Comparative analysis

The difference in arm span and height between the fighters reaches 10 centimeters in each of the parameters. It is more than obvious that staying at a distance with O'Malley is a death sentence for Merab, since he will definitely eat so many punches that will lead to a knockout or deprive him of his former stamina, forever (1.89). Therefore, pressure, short, fast punches while moving and work near the net is the ideal position where he can score points.

Of course, Dvalishvili's striking technique shouldn't be discounted either, and along with his cardio, all this can have an effect, but he won't be able to surpass Sean in either accuracy or speed of strikes. Most likely, after reconnaissance and analysis of the champion's movements, Merab will begin to put pressure and force him to think only about defense. But O'Malley has great footwork, and it will be very difficult to lock him in a corner.

Therefore, we will not see a quick resolution - both will do everything possible to minimize the risks and will start to turn on after the starting five minutes of Total over (1.5). Next, the teams will compete: who has developed the most effective game plan? And in this game, it is Sean who looks preferable, since Merab is straightforward enough to be read. With a minimal advantage and a balance of forces of 55 to 45, "Sugar" will have a better chance of triumph.

Sean O'Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili Prediction

Dvalishvili is unlikely to fall down and show his head like Sterling did, so it won't be possible to quickly send him to the mat. But we can very well see a "swing" in the form of interception of the initiative, but in the end, the main role will be played by the endurance and accuracy of each player's actions. Therefore, for making a bet, several options can be considered.

The fact that everything will not end in the first segment can be considered almost a fact, and only a gross mistake by the same Merab can lead to his defeat. This opens the way to bets on the total of rounds (Total over (1.5) and Total over (2.5). As for the specific winner, Sean looks more technical in this pair, he defends well from takedowns, so in his case there will be significantly more moments when you can hit, and if you do not turn off your colleague, then score enough points to win on points. Download 1xbet to your phone and place a bet on the favorite!

Prediction: Sean O'Malley wins/Total over (1.5-2.5) by completed rounds