Sean O'Malley, the flamboyant UFC former Bantamweight Champion, is stirring controversy once again, this time in the wake of his unanimous decision loss to Merab Dvalishvili last weekend. Despite the official result, O'Malley has taken to social media, making a compelling case that he should have won the fight, reigniting a debate among fight fans, analysts, and commentators alike.
On X (formerly Twitter), O’Malley tweeted a detailed breakdown of his view on the fight:
"Round 1. I won that round 100%! Based on damage that’s my round."
"Round 2 def lost. Took very little damage tho."
"Round 3 was closer than round 1 in my opinion. My round. Up 2-1 going into round 4."
"Round 4 Merabs round for sure. 2-2 going into the 5th."
"Round 5 I won. I am the champ. God is good. 1,3,5 round I won."
O’Malley even took his thoughts further on X Spaces, expressing frustration with the fight's narrative: "The narrative around this f**** fight was I got my ass whooped. I won the 1st, 3rd, and 5th round, and I challenge all you f****** little dorks that think that I got my ass kicked to go and rewatch that fight. I know it's hard to be non-biased. Rewatch it whether you f****** hate me or love me. Rewatch that fight. Turn the commentary off, and tell me I did not win that fight."**
O’Malley firmly believes he won three rounds to two, claiming rounds 1, 3, and 5, despite the official scorecards ruling in favor of Dvalishvili across the board. His confidence extends into the future, as he boldly stated he plans to defend his belt against rising star Umar Nurmagomedov in Vegas next summer, assuming he remains the champ in his own eyes.
Did Sean O'Malley Win?
Fight fans are sharply divided. On one side, many agree with the judges’ decision, pointing out that Merab's relentless pace, grappling dominance, and control time made him the clear victor in what appeared to be a grinding fight for O'Malley. Merab's pressure, takedowns, and striking volume were major factors in securing the win on paper.
But O'Malley's argument hinges on damage. In modern MMA scoring, damage often plays a crucial role, and O'Malley believes his striking in the first and third rounds should have weighed heavier than Merab's control. He acknowledges losing round 2 and gives Merab credit for round 4 but claims his aggression and cleaner strikes in rounds 1, 3, and 5 gave him the edge.
What Do You Think, Fight Fans?
O'Malley’s statement has sparked a heated discussion online. Did the UFC judges get it right, or does O'Malley have a point about winning the fight? Was damage the more significant factor, or did Merab's wrestling and pressure nullify O'Malley's offense?
Let us know in the comments, and keep your eyes peeled as O’Malley sets his sights on a potential showdown with Umar in Vegas next summer!
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