Sean O’Malley is set to make his highly anticipated return to the octagon at UFC 316 after suffering a setback in his previous fight for the bantamweight title. The former champion will face Merab Dvalishvili on Saturday, June 7, at Newark's Prudential Center. This fight marks O’Malley’s first chance to reclaim the 135-pound title after losing it at the Sphere in September 2024. The event will also feature a thrilling title defense from bantamweight champion Julianna Pena as she takes on Kayla Harrison.
In the lead-up to this crucial fight, O’Malley has made headlines with claims about his enhanced training regimen. He asserts that his preparation for Dvalishvili this time around is significantly better compared to their first encounter. However, not everyone is convinced. Renowned UFC fighter Henry Cejudo, who has previously faced Dvalishvili, has voiced concerns about O’Malley’s training methods.
During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Cejudo shared his insights, stating, “The biggest thing with O’Malley is, did he formulate his camp correctly?” He went on to express doubts about O’Malley’s focus, revealing that he has heard whispers regarding O'Malley's training. “He’s just working jiu-jitsu. He’s not working his get-ups, his stand-ups. He’s not investing in his camp,” Cejudo claimed. He suggested that O'Malley is keeping his preparations “in-house,” which could hinder his performance against Dvalishvili.
Cejudo’s comments have sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. He warned listeners to “bet the house on Merab Dvalishvili,” underlining his belief that O’Malley’s training may not be adequate for such a high-stakes fight. Cejudo’s experience with Dvalishvili lends weight to his predictions, as he understands the champion's strengths and capabilities firsthand.
Despite the criticisms surrounding his training, Sean O'Malley has made significant lifestyle adjustments in preparation for this fight. Following his title loss, he has eliminated certain habits that he believes will enhance his performance. O'Malley disclosed on his TimboSugarShow podcast that he has cut out social media and smoking, stating, “I feel like a lot of things that have changed in my life are going to attribute to my performance.”
O’Malley emphasized the importance of these changes, sharing, “I decided in 2025 I’m done with social media. I literally feel like it’s changed my life, and I feel like that’s going to play a role in my performance.” He sees these sacrifices as vital steps toward achieving a successful comeback and reclaiming the bantamweight title.
As Sean O’Malley prepares for this pivotal fight at UFC 316, all eyes will be on him to see if his changes will lead to success against Merab Dvalishvili. With the potential for a second UFC title reign on the line, O’Malley’s performance will be crucial not only for his career but also for proving his detractors wrong. The fight promises to be an electrifying encounter as both fighters aim for victory in Newark.
