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As the anticipation builds for UFC 306, the Bantamweight division is once again at the forefront of heated discussions within the MMA community. Reigning Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley (18-1) has proven to be a formidable force inside the Octagon, but according to former champion Henry Cejudo, O’Malley’s days at the top are numbered.
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Cejudo didn’t mince words about his thoughts on the upcoming showdown between O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili (17-4). "This is my prediction," Cejudo declared. "Merab Dvalishvili is going to stop Sean O’Malley at the Sphere. He’s going to beat him. He’s going to either 50-45 him, maybe not 50-45 because he may lose the first two rounds or the first one at least. He’s going to beat him."
Cejudo’s confidence in Dvalishvili stems from the Georgian fighter’s relentless pace, exceptional cardio, and unyielding pressure—a combination that has overwhelmed numerous opponents in the past. While O’Malley’s striking is widely regarded as some of the best in the division, Cejudo believes that Dvalishvili’s grappling and constant forward movement will be the keys to dethroning "Suga" Sean.
O’Malley’s rise to the top has been nothing short of spectacular, with highlight-reel knockouts and a flashy persona that has endeared him to fans around the world. However, Cejudo sees vulnerabilities in O’Malley’s game that Dvalishvili is uniquely equipped to exploit. "Merab’s style is built to neutralize a fighter like O’Malley," Cejudo explained. "He’s going to drag him into deep waters, and once that happens, it’s going to be hard for Sean to keep up."
But Cejudo’s predictions didn’t stop there. He also weighed in on what might happen if Dvalishvili emerges victorious at UFC 306. According to Cejudo, even if Dvalishvili captures the Bantamweight title, his reign could be short-lived. "Once Umar (Nurmagomedov) comes in, he’s just going to have his way with Merab," Cejudo said. "Umar is really good, really technical."
Umar Nurmagomedov, a rising star in the Bantamweight division and cousin of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, has been touted as a future champion himself. Cejudo’s remarks suggest that while Dvalishvili may have what it takes to dethrone O’Malley, he could face an even greater challenge in the form of Nurmagomedov.
For O’Malley, UFC 306 represents yet another opportunity to silence his critics and solidify his place as the undisputed Bantamweight king. However, if Cejudo’s prediction holds true, Dvalishvili could very well disrupt O’Malley’s reign and set the stage for a new era in the division—one where the Bantamweight title becomes a hotly contested prize among a new generation of elite fighters.
As fight night approaches, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see if Cejudo’s forecast comes to fruition. Will O’Malley’s striking prowess be enough to fend off Dvalishvili’s relentless assault? Or will the "Machine" grind his way to victory and usher in a new chapter in the Bantamweight division? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: UFC 306 is shaping up to be a must-watch event.
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