Merab who? Sean O’Malley predicts ‘The Machine’ will be just an MMA memory post-UFC 316

Alexander Behunin specializes in running MMAmania.com's various social media accounts, as well as covering live UFC events, interviewing the sports biggest stars and personalities.

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.

LIVE! Watch UFC 316 PPV On ESPN+ Here!

CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLE-DIP! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) continues its 2025 pay-per-view (PPV) schedule on Sat., June 7, 2025, with a championship doubleheader headlining UFC 316 from Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. In UFC 316’s PPV main event, Bantamweight roost-ruler, Merab Dvalishvili, defends his title against former division champion, Sean O’Malley, in a highly-anticipated five-round rematch. UFC 316’s PPV co-main event features women’s Bantamweight titleholder, Julianna Pena, facing off against two-time Olympic gold medalist, Kayla Harrison, in a thrilling five-round clash. UFC 316 will also showcase a 135-pound showdown between Patchy Mix vs. Mario Bautista, as well as a Welterweight bout pitting Vicente Luque vs. Kevin Holland and much more! UFC 316’s start time is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (“Early Prelims”), 8 p.m. ET (“Prelims” undercard) and 10 p.m. ET (PPV main card).

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Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 316 fight card right here, starting with the ESPN/ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET, before the main card start time at 10 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).

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