Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Sean O’Malley defends his UFC bantamweight title for the second time when he headlines Noche UFC on September 14, 2024, against Georgian grappler Merab Dvalishvili. The fight is billed as striker versus grappler, with O’Malley notable for his striking differential. The championship bout is poised on a knife-edge, with both fighters on a long winning streak. Bantamweight champ Sean O’Malley is a slight underdog in the early odds.

MMA: UFC Bantamweight Championship

Where to Watch: PPV

Venue: The Sphere, Las Vegas

Date: 15.09.2024 05:00

The American fighter Sean O’Malley is a striking machine, dominating the bantamweight class with his striking accuracy and differentials, and he is tied for second-highest knockouts in the division. “Suga,” who earned his UFC contract with a KO in his contender series bout in 2017, has six knockouts from eleven victories in the UFC. Currently, on a three-fight winning streak, Sean O’Malley won the UFC bantamweight championship with a TKO of Aljamain Sterling last year at UFC 292. The win was adjudged the performance of the year in the 2023 UFC Honors. O’Malley navigated a successful first-title defense earlier this year with a unanimous decision over Marlon Vera, who handed O’Malley his only professional loss in 2020 at UFC 252.

• Age: 29;
• Height: 5’11”;
• Weight: 135lbs (61kg);
• Reach: 72”;
• Record: 18-1-1 (NC);

In his last two fights, Merab Dvalishvili defeated two former bantamweight champions, scoring decisions over Petr Yan last year and Henry Cejudo last February. The Georgian grappler and former combat sambo fighter is a fearsome opponent, utilizing his enormous cardiovascular fitness to attempt multiple takedowns of his opponents. “The Machine,” who earned his number-one ranking in the bantamweight division with ruthless performances, started life in the UFC with consecutive defeats. He overcame the initial adversity and now competes for the championship on the back of a 10-fight winning streak, nine of which have come by decision.

• Age: 33;
• Height: 5’6’’;
• Reach: 68”;
• Weight: 135lbs (61kg);
• Record: 17-4

Merab Dvalishvili is a 1.83 favorite on Betway which prices the underdog at 1.95 odds. Bet365 lists Sean O’Malley as a 2.00 underdog with the favorite at 1.80. Over 4.5 rounds is available at 2 odds on 1XBET, with the under priced at 1.76. Read more here.