UFC bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley is set to rematch champion Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316 on June 7 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. However, recent footage has sparked speculation that O’Malley may be battling an injury just weeks before the high-stakes main event.
Sean O’Malley Rumored To Be Injured Ahead of UFC 316
Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili last clashed at UFC 306 in Sept 2024 inside the iconic Las Vegas Sphere. The Georgian grappler overwhelmed “Sugar” with relentless pressure and takedowns, earning a unanimous decision and the 135-pound title. Since then, Dvalishvili has defended the belt once, outpointing Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311.
O’Malley, meanwhile, stayed largely under the radar following his defeat, undergoing hip surgery shortly after the bout. Now, with his rematch scheduled, a video clip circulating on social media has raised concerns.
The now-deleted Snapchat video reposted by a user on X appears to show O’Malley using crutches. Although the source has since removed the footage, it has triggered mixed fan reactions online.
Some fans downplayed the situation, claiming the clip was old. One wrote, “It’s an old video. He doesn’t wear his hair in braids when it’s not fight week.”
Still, others questioned if this might be a prelude to an eventual withdrawal, posting comments like, “Settin’ up excuses already,” and “Bruh, this guy is always injured 💔.”
“Bruh this guy is always injured,” said one UFC fan on X.
“Settin up excuses already!!” claimed another fan.
Despite uncertainty surrounding the video’s timing, the UFC has yet to issue a statement, and O’Malley’s team has remained silent. As speculation swirls, many fans are hoping the incident is unrelated to any recent setbacks. “Hopefully it’s nothing serious,” one user commented, summing up the general sentiment of the MMA faithful.
O’Malley Reveals His Preparation for UFC 316 Comeback
O’Malley has been vocal about making major lifestyle changes since his loss to Dvalishvili at UFC 306 last year. He underwent hip surgery after the fight and used the recovery time to overhaul his habits, mentally and physically.
Speaking on his “TimboSugarShow” podcast, O’Malley said that stepping away from social media was the first major shift in his routine. “In 2025, I’m done with social media,” he declared. “It’s changed my life in just three months. My mind’s clearer, and I’m sharper because of it.”
The 30-year-old added that he’s also cut out gaming, weed, and more, jokingly stating:
“Haven’t been on social. … I haven’t gamed, either. I quit gaming. I did a lot of gaming, two or three hours a day, and I need to fill it with something,” O’Malley said. Instead, he’s replaced these habits with poker nights and disciplined training.
“I feel like all those small decisions are stacking up,” O’Malley said. “It’s not just physical—it’s everything. My sleep, my mood, my performance. … It’s all improving.”
Whether or not the crutches clip is recent, one thing is clear: O’Malley is determined to approach UFC 316 as a new version of himself — more focused, more disciplined, and hungry to reclaim the bantamweight crown.