Merab Dvalishvili beat Sean O'Malley in UFC 306. Photo: Reproduction/UFC Europe
The main fight of UFC 306, an event held this Saturday (14), had everything. With the right to 'kisses', provocations and strong rivalry involved, Merab Dvalishvili won Sean O'Malley in the unanimous decision of the judges and won the bantamweight belt (up to 62,1 kg) of the organization. The duel was the main one of the night in 'Esfera'.
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With this result, Merab reaches the top of the world for the first time and is the new king of the 62,1kg division. In his career in martial arts, the Georgian has a record of 18 positive results and four negative ones.
Yes, Sean O'Malley suffers his second defeat in his career and is unsuccessful in defending his belt. The American, who was one of Dana White's big bets to be a 'pop star' in the company, has a track record of 18 triumphs and two defeats.
Merab Dvalishvili seeks takedowns, is superior to Sean O'Malley and wins UFC belt
The fight was controversial at the start. Merab approached one of Sean's trainers and started insulting him. The referee, Herb Dean, stopped the fight to scold the fighter. O'Malley worked from a distance and landed some good blows, while Dvalishvili scored two takedowns and a guillotine choke that required a few adjustments.
The Georgian took down O'Malley again to land punches and score points against the American, who was even given a warning for holding his gloves. In the final stretch, Dvalishvili set up a guillotine choke that wouldn't stick. He then gave O'Malley a series of kisses on the back. The referee separated the fight, but the champion got up and threw an illegal punch that caused controversy.
The American's 'locked game' reappeared in the third round. Merab, with a strong takedown rhythm, managed to land some good blows in the takedown. However, in the exchange, O'Malley was superior and even cut the challenger's nose.
Dvalishvili didn't want to trade in the fourth round. From the beginning, the challenger went for the takedown, landed in half guard and put strong pressure on the ground.
Sean O'Malley had a good moment and almost achieved a historic comeback in the final minute of the fight. The American applied a strong kick to the waistline, injuring Merab Dvalishvili and tried to attack, but the Georgian defended himself, spun around the octagon and secured the victory.
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