Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley in the hot tub. Photo: Instagram reproduction
Everyone in the MMA world knows that a variety of skills are required to reach the top of the sport, especially in the UFC. However, beyond strength, speed, or intelligence, self-confidence is perhaps the most important component of all. At least, that's the opinion of Sean O'Malley, former UFC bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg).
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O'Malley addressed the subject in the latest edition of his Espaitec's last Monday (15). Suga comes from two consecutive defeats to Merab Dvalishvili in title duels, and according to him, it was possible to perceive the effects of confidence in the Georgian between one fight and another.
"Confidence plays such a big role in fighting... You have to trust yourself. The first time I fought (Merab), he (was strong)... Then he beat Umar, and in a second fight (with me), his confidence was so high that he felt like no one could beat him," he said.
Sean O'Malley explains how Merab Dvalishvili looked different between their first and second fights
"Confidance is such a huge role in fighting… You have to trust yourself. First time I fought [Merab] he [felt strong]…
Then he beats Umar and then in a second fight [with… pic.twitter.com/nUClX7R7xd
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 16, 2025
Sean O'Malley is a former UFC champion
Merab Dvalishvili submits Sean O'Malley at UFC 316. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC News
One of the most popular figures among young audiences, O'Malley's career was heavily impacted by two losses against Dvalishvili. The two first faced off at UFC 306, as the main event of the Ultimate's first event in the Sphere. On that occasion, he was dominated for five rounds and lost by unanimous decision. He underwent hip surgery and returned for a rematch in June of this year. In another dominant performance, the Georgian finished the fight with a choke in the third round.
Read More about: Bantamweight belt, Merab Dvalishvili, Sean O'Malley
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