Sean O’Malley had a chance at redemption against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316 on Saturday, June 7, but the night didn’t go as planned for the former bantamweight champion. He suffered a submission loss in the third round, shattering his dream of reclaiming the title, having lost the belt to Dvalishvili at UFC 306.
However, O’Malley is determined to make another title run and was already back in the gym days after his loss at UFC 316, prompting reactions from fans.
Fan Reacts As Sean O’Malley Backs in Gym Days After His Loss at UFC 316
O’Malley is back at his gym, “Red Hawk Academy,” in Arizona, watching his teammates train their grappling skills. Uncrowned reshared the footage on its Instagram account.
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This sparked reactions from MMA enthusiasts, who rushed to the comment section to share their thoughts. One fan wrote, “Dagestan 2 years and forget.” Another added, “Buddy needs to go to Dagestan for 3 years and forget.”
Another fan expressed that “Suga” looked better in the rematch — and so did the champion — writing, “Tbh, Sean fought so much better it’s just that so did Merab.”
One MMA enthusiast commented, “Comeback time. Sean, win or lose, you always dust yourself off and keep training. I love you, brotha @sugasean.”
One UFC fan jokingly suggested that Dana White might give another title shot to the former bantamweight champion, writing, “I mean Dana is probably gonna give him another immediate title shot.”
Another fan chimed in: “To be fair the only way to feel better abt it is to get right back to work and get that next W out of the way.”
Dvalishvili Offers Advice to O’Malley After UFC 316
Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Dvalishvili offered advice to Sean O’Malley following his back-to-back losses. “The Machine” said defeat can be beneficial, changing a person both mentally and physically.
“The loss sometimes is good, you know. Makes you even motivated to think about and make you change more stuff and to get better mentally, physically.” Dvalishvili said.
He advised “Suga” to do his best if he still loves to fight, emphasizing how few fighters become UFC champions.
“Just do your best. If you still love this, keep doing it, keep training and do your best. And as long as you love it, keep doing it. And if you don’t love anymore, then relax. I mean, he’s happy, happy dad. I wish him all the best. Not everybody will be champion. Only eight guys will be champion at the time. But if you still love this fight, keep going.”
O’Malley remains the No. 1 contender in the bantamweight division.