Adesanya approves of Merab's victory over O'Malley at UFC 316: 'He's very good'

Israel adesanya in a video for his YouTube channel. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

Israel adesanya reacted with admiration to the performance of Merab Dvalishvili against Sean O'Malley in the main event of UFC 316 last Saturday (7). In a video released on social media, the Nigerian fighter praised the technical quality of the Georgian, who defended the organization's bantamweight belt (up to 61,2 kg).

“Man, he’s good. He’s gotta give it up, man. Really good. Like, he’s just a stud. Really good,” Adesanya said on his YouTube channel.

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The reaction contrasted with the former middleweight champion's prediction (up to 839 kg) days earlier, when he secured victory by knockout of O'Malley in the second round.

Merab put on a great performance. With aggression and talent, the Georgian put 'Suga' down with ease and finished him in the third round. He won the 'Performance of the Night' award and also took home $50.

For O'Malley, the defeat represents the first consecutive negative moment in his career, a situation that Adesanya also faces after setback to Nassourdine Imavov in early 2025. Both are looking to rebuild their trajectories in the octagon.