As UFC 320 approaches, the bantamweight division stands on the precipice of a pivotal moment. With Merab Dvalishvili defending his title against the dynamic Cory Sandhagen, the fighting world is buzzing. However, it`s former champion Sean O`Malley`s candid assessment that truly adds a fascinating layer to this impending showdown, offering a glimpse into the strategic mind of a top contender.
The Art of the Pick: Skill vs. Dominance
Sean O`Malley, a man intimately familiar with the demands of the bantamweight elite, finds himself in a curious position when evaluating the UFC 320 co-main event. While he acknowledges the formidable power and relentless pace of Merab Dvalishvili, a fighter whose style he describes as “Khabib-like” due to its smothering dominance, O`Malley makes a rather pointed distinction: he believes Cory Sandhagen possesses more “overall skills.”
This isn`t merely a casual observation; it`s a strategic dissection. O`Malley, speaking on Mike Perry`s Overdogs Podcast, is essentially articulating the perennial debate in combat sports: is it the fighter with a broader, more versatile arsenal, or the one with a singular, overwhelming weapon that ultimately prevails? For O`Malley, the answer, at least in a pure skill-for-skill comparison, leans towards Sandhagen.
Dvalishvili: The Relentless Machine
Merab Dvalishvili, often dubbed “The Machine,” has carved out a reputation as one of the most suffocating forces in the UFC. His wrestling game is a relentless tidal wave, drowning opponents in a sea of takedowns, control, and an almost mythical gas tank. O`Malley himself experienced this firsthand, and his commentary underscores the sheer physical challenge Dvalishvili presents.
“If Merab can get a hold of Cory, I just don’t see — Merab felt just so strong…his gas tank is ridiculous.” O`Malley remarked, highlighting the champion`s undeniable physical attributes. This relentless pressure often breaks opponents mentally as much as physically, making him a truly unique challenge in the division.
Sandhagen: The Crafty Innovator
On the other side of the octagon stands Cory Sandhagen, a fighter whose unorthodox striking, inventive movement, and ability to create scrambles have baffled many. O`Malley draws a parallel between their fighting philosophies, noting, “Me and Cory have very similar styles.” This speaks to Sandhagen`s penchant for creative solutions and his adeptness at navigating tricky situations, as demonstrated in his performance against Umar Nurmagomedov.
Sandhagen`s “overall skill” might encompass his diverse striking angles, his defensive wrestling, and his opportunistic grappling. He`s not just a striker; he`s a mixed martial artist who constantly seeks to adapt and exploit openings, rather than simply overwhelm with a single dominant facet.
The Implications for O`Malley`s Future
For Sean O`Malley, this isn`t just an academic exercise. As a former champion with aspirations of reclaiming the bantamweight throne, the outcome of Dvalishvili vs. Sandhagen directly impacts his path. His analysis, therefore, is not just observation but also strategic planning. Understanding the nuances of both contenders is crucial for his own eventual return to title contention.
O`Malley`s internal conflict—acknowledging Dvalishvili`s dominant, “Khabib-like” skillset while simultaneously asserting Sandhagen`s broader array of techniques—reflects the complex calculus of elite-level MMA. It`s a sport where raw power meets technical finesse, and sometimes, the more versatile fighter is deemed “more skilled,” even if the specialist`s approach is undeniably effective.
A Presidential Callout and a Look to 2026
Perhaps the most intriguing element of O`Malley`s recent commentary wasn`t just his breakdown, but his audacious look into the distant future. Should Sandhagen emerge victorious at UFC 320, O`Malley has already laid the groundwork for a potential clash in 2026, with an unprecedented venue in mind: the White House. It`s a testament to O`Malley`s flair for the dramatic and his long-term vision, even if such a fight is a lifetime away in the ever-shifting landscape of MMA.
Cory Sandhagen, never one to shy away from a challenge, responded positively to this rather presidential callout. “Yeah, for sure, O’Malley’s been on my radar, I’ve been on his radar for a long time,” Sandhagen confirmed, embracing the idea of being the “A-side” in such a monumental event. It’s an interesting blend of immediate professional focus and ambitious, almost theatrical, future planning—a dynamic that adds spice to an already thrilling division.
While the prospect of a White House fight might seem like a distant fantasy, it underscores the star power and ambition simmering within the bantamweight ranks. Before any such grand spectacle can materialize, however, both Sandhagen and Dvalishvili must navigate the treacherous waters of UFC 320. The question remains: will “overall skill” triumph, or will “Khabib-like” dominance continue its relentless march?
Benedict Kingsley 
Rupert Hartwell