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'It might be like another Jose Aldo fight,' 5-time bonus winner previews Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili

Originally posted on FirstSportz
By Safeer Marottickal Sakeer | Last updated 5/25/24

Merab Dvalishvili has defeated three former champions in his previous three fights. Although he dominated Henry Cejudo and Petr Yan , Dvalishvili couldn’t do the same against Jose Aldo , which was a lackluster performance. UFC bantamweight Adrian Yanez recently pondered the potential Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley fight to be similar to Dvalishvili vs. Aldo.

Though not officially announced, O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili is the likely main event at UFC 306 at Las Vegas Sphere, Dana White ‘s dream venue. Yanez has already expressed interest in fighting on the venue. In his recent interview with Inside Fighting, Yanez provided an in-depth preview of the potential next title fight at bantamweight – O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili.

It might be either like another Jose Aldo fight, where he [Merab Dvalishvili] wasn't able to take him down but was able to get the win, or he just kind of ragdolls him, takes him down, and it's only [Sean] O'Malley just trying to get up the whole entire time, and it's Merab just mauling him. Adrian Yanez via Inside Fighting

Nevertheless, Yanez stated that if the fight ended in a finish, O’Malley had the best chance between them both. Since Adrian Yanez has seen Dvalishvili showcase his durability and cardio, he found the likelihood of O’Malley winning very slim.

Since Jose Aldo returned from retirement and showcased an impressive performance at UFC 301, there is a slim chance he could leapfrog Dvalishvili for a title shot. O’Malley had also flirted with the idea, but Dana White had already stated that Dvalishvili was next.

Meme coin brand signs Merab Dvalishvili as an ambassador

Some of the UFC fighters endorse cryptocurrency. Lightweight contender Renato Moicano is very vocal about the advantages of Bitcoin, claiming it to be the future. Moicano is also a big supporter of the Austrian School of Economics.

Merab Dvalishvili has now announced his foray into the cryptocurrency world. Popular meme coin brand MANEKI has signed Dvalishvili as their ambassador. Dvalishvili and MANEKI announced the news of his new role on his social media.

MANEKI breaks into the UFC by signing Bantamweight title contender @MerabDvalishvil as an ambassador. This comes ahead of his title fight against Sean O'Malley. This partnership will bring the MANEKI brand to millions of UFC fans globally. Soon $MANEKI will be everywhere… MANEKI via X

MANEKI breaks into the UFC by signing Bantamweight title contender @MerabDvalishvil as an ambassador.

This comes ahead of his title fight against Sean O'Malley.

This partnership will bring the MANEKI brand to millions of UFC fans globally.

Soon $MANEKI will be everywhere… pic.twitter.com/v3Kaw4UUv1
— MANEKI (@UnrevealedXYZ) May 22, 2024

Dvalishvili has become an internet sensation with his series of skits on social media, particularly with a Sean O’Malley doppelganger. Moreover, he has collaborated with fellow troll king Paulo Costa as well. Dvalishvili’s newfound fame might be a reason MANEKI signed him.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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