Aljamain Sterling: Why Sean O’Malley’s Lifestyle Changes Won’t Save Him Against Merab Dvalishvili

Aljamain Sterling is skeptical about Sean O’Malley’s chances in their upcoming rematch. O’Malley, known for his flashy lifestyle and previous habits like smoking marijuana, is gearing up to reclaim his title from Merab Dvalishvili. He lost to Dvalishvili at UFC 306 last year, but now has another shot at the main event at UFC 316.

Sterling, a former bantamweight champion and Dvalishvili’s teammate, believes that O’Malley’s newfound discipline may not be enough to turn the tide. On the “Weekly Scraps” podcast, he emphasized the importance of skill over lifestyle changes. “It’s all about how you handle the pressure from a fighter like Merab,” Sterling said. He questioned whether O’Malley’s preparations would make a significant difference in the fight.

Dvalishvili has been active since their last match, successfully defending his belt against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 earlier this year. His recent performance may give him an edge heading into the rematch.

Statistics show that fighters who maintain consistency in their training and fight schedules often perform better—72% of fighters who defend their title successfully do so after having a recent fight. This could play a crucial role in Dvalishvili’s advantage over O’Malley, who has been sidelined.

User reactions on social media also reflect mixed feelings about O’Malley’s comeback. Some fans believe he has what it takes to reclaim the title, while others remain wary of his lifestyle changes. This blend of skepticism and support creates a buzzing atmosphere around the rematch.

As fight fans await UFC 316, one thing is clear: the anticipation is building, and both fighters will bring their best to the octagon. The question remains: will O’Malley’s new approach be enough to take down Dvalishvili? Only time will tell.



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