Fans are in for a treat at UFC 311 as Merab Dvalishvili prepares to defend his bantamweight title against Umar Nurmagomedov. However, the buzz doesn’t stop there. The former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has already set his sights on the winner of this highly anticipated showdown, issuing a callout for a future fight.
At UFC 306, Sean O’Malley lost his bantamweight title to Merab Dvalishvili at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The outcome sparked controversy on social media as fans and MMA pages claimed judges robbed O’Malley. Echoing this sentiment, O’Malley insisted he won three of the five rounds and deserved the victory.
Now planning his return for next summer, O’Malley hopes to face Merab Dvalishvili, assuming he remains champion. While recently in Japan to promote a RIZIN event, O’Malley participated in several Q&A sessions. During the RIZIN 49 Decade event, he shared his thoughts on the UFC 311 co-main event, saying,
“Ideally Merab beats Umar and I get the rematch. But if it has to be Umar, that’s what I want next is a title fight, hopefully mid next year, so the winner of that one is coming up very very soon.”
Sean O'Malley wants to face the winner of Merab vs Umar "mid-next year":
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 4, 2025
"Ideally, Merab beats Umar and I get the rematch. But if Umar wins, it'll be Umar. That's what I want next is a title fight."
(via. @rizin_PR) #UFC311 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/ZNgL6IjfV1
Aljamain Sterling Calls Out UFC 311 For Rushing Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Title Fight
Aljamain Sterling has voiced strong criticism over the UFC’s decision to schedule Merab Dvalishvili’s bantamweight title defense against Umar Nurmagomedov on just six weeks’ notice. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, the former champion expressed his frustration with the rushed timeline, arguing that it undermines the champion’s position. In the interview, ‘Aljo’ said,
“[Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov] is being made on six weeks notice. Maybe six-and-a-half. For a title fight? I understand having to do that if you’re a challenger. But as the champion, you shouldn’t be relegated to those type of stipulations. It’s just not right.”
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"Let's be honest, [Merab x Umar] is being made on 6 weeks notice, maybe 6 1/2. For a title fight? I understand having to do that if you're a challenger, but as a champion, you shouldn't be relegated to those type of stipulations."
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 17, 2024
Aljo on Merab fighting Umar at UFC 311. pic.twitter.com/WoO83aa4yZ
With the fight now just two weeks away, ‘The Machine’ is prepared to defend his bantamweight title. Adding to the anticipation, the bout has gained even more hype thanks to the heated trash talk exchanged between the fighters on social media.
Also Read: UFC 311 Promo Sparks Social Media Frenzy, With Fans Calling It The Best Fight Card Of 2025
