Sean O'Malley

Merab Dvalishvili is one of the UFC's most relentless bantamweights, and he might be the funniest fighter in the sport too. The Georgian former UFC bantamweight champion built his career in mixed martial arts on suffocating, dominant pace and constant forward pressure, wearing down opponents with a gas tank that rarely slows down over five rounds. Off the mic, Dvalishvili has become known for viral bits like kissing rival Sean O'Malley's back mid-fight at UFC 311, diving headfirst into a frozen lake, giving Nina Drama joking self-defense tips, and his trademark Vamos Muchachos catchphrase. Known for ferocious cardio and explosive takedown chains, the humble, good-natured champion remains one of combat sports' most beloved personalities.

Dvalishvili

Sean O'Malley has expressed his desire to see Song Yadong face Merab Dvalishvili, stating he has long believed Song poses a significant stylistic problem for the Georgian contender. O'Malley noted that if Dvalishvili wins the belt against Petr Yan, Song should be next in line for him. O'Malley also indicated that if Yan wins, he himself would be the one to fight Yan.

Dvalishvili, Yan, Yadong

With his latest victory, Song Yadong has climbed to outright second place on the all-time finishes list in the UFC bantamweight division. Sean O'Malley, Rob Font, and Uriah Faber are tied for third with seven finishes apiece.

Font, Yadong

In an August 13, 2026 piece, Sean O'Malley targets Ian Machado Garry over a past comment suggesting Garry was the main reason European fans tuned in to UFC 292. O'Malley responds in a YouTube reaction video, saying "This just got personal" and mocking Garry’s claim that he drove viewership for O'Malley’s title-winning card. He also critiques Garry’s take that women should run the world, joking that leaders "should have a wiener" and questioning Garry’s plant-based diet ahead of a bout with Islam Makhachev. The exchanges underscore growing tension between the two fighters.