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Sean O'Malley contests title loss at UFC 306 against Merab Dvalishvili

Sean O'Malley's scorecard for UFC 306 may look different than yours.

It's been just days since the UFC's one-and-done show at the Sphere, where Merab Dvalishvili (18-4) ended the year-long title reign of bantamweight champion O'Malley (18-2, 1 NC) in the main event. It was a striker vs. grappler duel of the highest order, with Dvalishvili's takedowns largely neutralizing O'Malley's counterpunches over five rounds.

Dvalishvili's grappling successes did not go unnoticed by his opponent O'Malley and earned him a point victory in the eyes of the three judges (49-46, 48-47, 48-47).

UFC 306: O'Malley vs. Dvalishvil

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

While there is definitely an argument that Dvalishvili won at least four rounds against O'Malley, an unpopular opinion from “Suga” suggests he won three of five rounds based on damage, the main criteria judges look at when scoring fights.

Sean O'Malley apologizes after losing UFC 306 title to Merab Dvalishvili

O'Malley, the renowned sharpshooter, was not able to land as many power shots as Dvalishvili would have liked, but the 29-year-old still hit Dvalishvili cleanly here and there.

“Round 1. I 100% won this round!! Damage wise this is my round,” O'Malley wrote on X.

“Definitely lost round 2. But only took very little damage.”

“Round 3 was closer than round 1 in my opinion. My round. 2-1 in round 4.”

“Round 4, clearly Merabs round. 2:2 going into the 5th.

“I won round 5. I'm the champion,” O'Malley added. “God is good. I won rounds 1, 3, 5.”
Defending champion belt against Umar [Nurmagomedov] in Vegas in June/July.”

UFC 306: O'Malley vs. Dvalishvil

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Shortly after scoring the fight (which drew strong reactions from fans), O'Malley reflected on how his title loss had been perceived as a one-sided beating by Dvalishvili, rather than the hard-fought battle between the two that O'Malley had perceived it to be.

“The story around that fucking fight was that I got my ass kicked,” O'Malley said on X-space. “I won the 1st, 3rd and 5th rounds and I challenge all you damn little morons who think I kicked my ass to watch the fight again. I know it's hard [to be] unbiased. Watch it again, whether you hate me or love me. Watch the fight again. Turn off the commentary and tell me I didn't win the fight.”

“I won. I'm the champion,” O'Malley then said. “Where's my belt? Get the belt out of my trunk. I'm the champion, baby!”

Regarding his return to the Octagon, Sean O'Malley says it will be a while before a new season of “The Suga Show” airs, as he will be unable to compete for about a year due to injuries.

Although he no longer holds the gold belt, O'Malley is still very interested in facing his next potential title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov in his comeback, while Merab Dvalishvili has been on the fence about facing him recently.

“Merab is scared as hell of Umar, doesn't want to fight Umar. I don't know why,” O'Malley continued. “Umar is good, don't get me wrong. Merab is scared, he's not the champion, I'm the champion. I would fight Umar next, I should fight Umar for the belt. I should defend my belt against Umar.”

Umar Nurmagomedo of the UFC

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

“I have to have surgery on October 3rd. I'll probably be back in June or July. I'll be back as soon as I can because I love this shit. God, it feels good to be the champion again…”

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