Sean O’Malley Opens Up About Quitting Weed Before His UFC 316 Rematch with Merab Dvalishvili

Sean O’Malley is feeling more focused than ever as he gears up for his rematch with Merab Dvalishvili. Next Saturday, he will challenge Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title he lost at UFC 306. To prepare, O’Malley has stepped up his training, bringing in stars like Israel Adesanya and Demetrious Johnson. Yet, he believes the biggest change is his decision to cut out distractions, particularly social media and marijuana.

In a recent interview with Jim Rome, O’Malley shared how his social media detox transformed his mindset. He said, “Getting off social media has completely changed my life in a positive way. I don’t even want to go back.” He emphasized that his detox wasn’t just about winning against Dvalishvili—it was also about finding peace of mind.

O’Malley noted that stepping away from social media helped reduce his anxiety, which he described as a “low level” that everyone experiences. He felt that breaking free from the constant notifications and virtual reality was worth it.

He also made a notable shift by stepping back from marijuana, a substance he openly embraced early in his career. While he doesn’t plan to give it up entirely, he acknowledged that it can add to anxiety. “It was just something inside me that said, ‘Let’s take a break,’” he explained.

The impact of his lifestyle changes remains to be seen as he faces Dvalishvili again. Importantly, O’Malley had a hip injury during their first fight, which he has since had surgery for. This could also influence the outcome.

O’Malley is confident in his abilities: “I know I can beat Merab. He’s open to getting knocked out.” He’s prepared to go the distance if needed, ready to dig deep for victory.

Recent statistics show that athletes who prioritize mental health and eliminate distractions often perform better. According to a 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association, more than 70% of athletes reported decreased anxiety and improved focus after reducing social media use.

As O’Malley sets his sights on reclaiming his title, it highlights a growing trend in sports where mental clarity is recognized as essential for success. Whether O’Malley’s new approach leads to victory over Dvalishvili is a question that only time will answer.



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