Sean O’Malley’s coach: Merab Dvalishvili deserves UFC title shot, ‘getting ready for a problem like that will be fun’
March 20, 2024 11:00 am ET
Tim Welch sees Merab Dvalishvili as the most deserving for a shot at UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley.
OâMalley (18-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) called out featherweight champ Ilia Topuria after retaining his title against Marlon Vera earlier this month at UFC 299. The callout upset Dvalishvili, whoâs on a 10-fight winning streak and fresh off a win over Henry Cejudo.
OâMalley later said heâs willing to face Dvalishvili (17-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC) next, and his head coach, Welch, thinks itâs the fight to make.
âBoth the fights are just so scary,â Welch said on the âMIGHTYcastâ podcast. âFight Ilia, you make a mistake with Ilia, youâre going to lay there flat on your back unconscious. Merab, itâs like heâs five rounds. Heâs going to come in there, and heâs not going to be afraid to try to cover the distance and shoot like we said.
âI think theyâre both just such huge problems, but I think Merab. I think Merab deserves it. Heâs won 10 fights in a row, 10 fights in a row in the UFC. Getting ready for a problem like that will be fun, and if we can knock him flat and turn his nose sideways, thatâll feel good.â
Welch acknowledges that Dvalishviliâs danger comes from his heart and cardio. He sees OâMalley having his way on the feet, but doesnât expect Dvalishvili to cave.
âI think Merabâs the type to have the balls to just say, âF*ck it, go, Iâm going no matter what, I donât care,’â Welch said. âHe probably will get cracked hard coming in. Weâll see if he can wear it, but he is that type to just say, âF*ck itâ and go.â
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