Overview
- Sean O'Malley will face Merab Dvalishvili in a bantamweight title rematch at UFC 316 on June 7, 2025, in New Jersey.
- Critics question O'Malley's immediate title shot after his decisive loss to Dvalishvili in September 2024 and subsequent inactivity due to surgery.
- O'Malley attributes his previous loss to a torn labrum injury and claims to be in significantly better condition for the upcoming fight.
- Dvalishvili, entering the rematch on a 12-fight win streak, is renowned for his relentless grappling style that has stymied top opponents for years.
- Supporters, including Ariel Helwani and Aljamain Sterling, argue the rematch is justified due to O'Malley's past accomplishments and the champion's agreement to the fight.