Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley seeks to reclaim his title and become a two-time champion in a rematch against Merab Dvalishvili, who dethroned him, at UFC 316 this weekend (Sat., June 7, 2025) inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Fans may have noticed O’Malley’s promotional presence has been subdued compared to his usual flair. This is deliberate, as “Sugar” has focused on recapturing the belt without his extravagant persona, like no pink hair or signature antics, that everyone has come to expect.
However, at the UFC 316 press conference (watch here), a reporter stirred the pot, asking O’Malley about Dvalishvili’s claim that he’d steal his sponsors and fans, just as he took his jacket and title.
For a moment, the classic O’Malley emerged.
“I truly believe I’m going to knock Merab out,” O’Malley said. “Come Sunday, no one is going to give a f—k about Merab, and that’s just is what it is.”
That spark may have been what “The Machine” wanted to ignite. Dvalishvili fired back, “Keep talking and you’re going to get more humble. I’m making people humble! You’ll see June 7. Yeah, you were playing all of this time like a humble guy, okay, I’ll show you again.”
The rematch could’ve used more trash talk to fuel excitement, especially since fans hated the booking of the rematch from the outset.
Regardless, the Bantamweight rivals will clash in two days and face off one final time at tomorrow’s weigh-ins.
