MMA icon Demetrious Johnson wasn`t taken aback by the way Merab Dvalishvili secured his victory over Sean O’Malley at UFC 316.
Leading up to his championship rematch with UFC Bantamweight titleholder Merab Dvalishvili, Sean O’Malley had honed his striking skills alongside former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and worked on his grappling with Demetrious Johnson, a former flyweight champion widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters ever.
Despite defending against seven of Dvalishvili`s twelve relentless takedown attempts, O’Malley ultimately succumbed to a submission hold in the third round, resulting in a tap-out loss.
While Adesanya had predicted O’Malley would reclaim the title, Johnson had declined to make a prediction for the UFC 316 main event.
However, after assisting O’Malley in his preparation for Dvalishvili, ‘Mighty Mouse’ disclosed that he somewhat anticipated this outcome.Demetrious Johnson Foresaw Merab Dvalishvili`s Takedown Success Against Sean O’Malley
Johnson expressed the belief that effectively defending against a fighter like Dvalishvili hinges on strong defensive wrestling, a point also raised by top contender Cory Sandhagen.
Johnson further commented that he expected Dvalishvili to “run over” O’Malley if O`Malley primarily sought a single knockout blow.
“When I sparred with Sean, did I take him down the rounds we grappled?” Johnson recounted on his YouTube channel.
“Yes, I took Sean down. And I knew that if I can take Sean down with me not being a full time fighter, I knew Merab was gonna take him down and be able to mount.
“Word on the street on Merab is that he’s strong as s—. He’s so strong,” Johnson elaborated.
“This is the one thing I knew too. When I splurge on the way I shoot my double [leg takedown] like a wrestler that goes underneath like a duck walk.
“Where Merab, when he shoots, he blasts through almost like a charge, like a spear.”
“So, if Sean were to try to get the guillotine on Merab, he would have to be airborne and lock up the guillotine, which would be extremely hard. You can’t get leverage or a good fight when you’re airborne. You’re getting plowed.”
Demetrious Johnson Declares Merab Dvalishvili is ‘Just Too Good’ After Dominating Sean O’Malley
Dvalishvili extended his winning streak to 13 with his repeated championship victory over O’Malley at UFC 316.
With three title bouts now behind him and wins over numerous former champions on his record, Dvalishvili is increasingly considered among the greatest bantamweights ever. However, the Georgian fighter himself attributes that distinction to another champion.
UFC flyweight ‘GOAT’ Johnson offered his praise for Dvalishvili’s performance against O’Malley.
“Merab is just too good, man,” Johnson stated.
“But, the good thing is Sean’s got plenty of f—— money.”
“Great fight,” the former champion commented on the Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley rematch. “Great f—— fight.”
Rupert Hartwell