Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley is intensifying his preparations for the UFC 316 main event.
Sean O’Malley is set to seek redemption in a rematch against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316, scheduled for June 7th in Newark. This fight marks O’Malley`s return to the Octagon following his loss to Dvalishvili at UFC 306 last September, which ended his bantamweight title reign.
Following UFC 306, O’Malley immediately requested a rematch, disputing the judges` unanimous decision. Since then, he has taken a break from competition to recover from a hip injury and implement lifestyle changes in anticipation of his UFC 316 comeback.
These changes extend beyond just MMA training.
Sean O’Malley Quits Marijuana, Masturbation, and Gaming Before UFC 316 Title Fight
In a recent episode of his podcast, TimboSugarShow, O’Malley explained his absence after the Dvalishvili defeat.
“I believe several changes in my life will enhance my performance,” O’Malley stated. “For instance, my departure from social media. I decided to quit social media in 2025. … I no longer use social media, and it feels life-changing. It`s only been three months, but I genuinely feel a significant shift, which I believe will positively impact my performance. These small decisions and sacrifices, like giving up social media, will contribute to my future performances.”
O’Malley elaborated on the sacrifices he is making for the Dvalishvili rematch.
“I haven’t masturbated at all this year – not once in 2025,” O’Malley revealed. “No masturbation, no social media, and I’ve also stopped gaming. I used to game for two to three hours daily, and I needed a replacement. We`ve been playing a lot of Texas Hold ‘Em poker with friends. It’s quite addictive, similar to gaming, where you always want ‘one more hand.’”
“I`ve also quit smoking weed. I just stopped abruptly because I disliked how it made me feel. I`m also eating healthier and sleeping better. I`m not quitting weed forever, but currently, I don`t feel the need or desire to smoke. I feel it`s been beneficial.”
Prior to his loss to Dvalishvili, O’Malley had a strong UFC record, including wins against Aljamain Sterling and Marlon Vera. He remains a major pay-per-view draw in the UFC but faces a tough challenge in his rematch with Dvalishvili.
Sean O’Malley Responds to Criticism of UFC 316 Title Shot After Previous Loss
The announcement of Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2 for UFC 316 received mixed reactions from fans. Some felt O’Malley didn`t deserve an immediate rematch after only one title defense, a feat Dvalishvili matched by defeating Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311.
Sterling wasn`t granted an immediate rematch after losing his title to O’Malley at UFC 292. Following his title loss, Sterling moved to featherweight, winning against Calvin Kattar but losing to Movsar Evloev at UFC 310.
O’Malley has the opportunity to correct his previous mistakes against Dvalishvili and demonstrate his improvements during his time away. It remains to be seen whether his insistence on an immediate rematch will yield positive outcomes or prove to be a misstep.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley