Merab Dvalishvili kisses Sean O’Malley during UFC 306 title fight marred by fouls and unusual incidents
Merab Dvalishvili was crowned the new bantamweight champion at the end of a very strange UFC 306 main event.
The Georgian grappled his way to a decision victory over Sean O'Malley at the Las Vegas Sphere on Saturday night - but their fight was marred by several unusual incidents.
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It got off to a bizarre start as veteran referee Herb Dean immediately called a halt to the action to stop Dvalishvili from trash-talking O’Malley’s head coach, Tim Welch.
Welch got a warning for ‘excessive coaching’, but it didn’t seem to impact his fighter, who landed several eye-catching shots before being taken down to the floor by Dvalishvili.
‘Suga’ impressively got back to his feet and was forced to do so again when he was taken down again towards the end of an interesting first frame.
It was more of the same in round two. Lots of grappling success for Dvalishvili and lots of work for the referee as O’Malley fouled with a glove grab and Dvalishvili tried to kiss his opponent.
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The round ended with O’Malley landing a massive punch after the Georgian fighter turned his back whilst getting a telling-off for 'kissing'.
O’Malley had a much better round three. The 29-year-old was able to counter Dvalishvili’s wrestling attack and keep the fight on the feet where he’s always excelled.
The champion appeared to be gaining control midway through the fourth frame. Dvalishvili got cut over the eye before scoring an impressive takedown and dominating the rest of the round.
O’Malley had his best round in the last as he hurt Dvalishvili with body kicks, but he was unable to capitalise and the challenger was able to survive until the final bell.
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Ultimately, the cageside judges crowned a new bantamweight champion as they scored the fight 49–46, 48–47, and 48–47 in favour of Dvalishvili.
The new champion gave an exciting post-fight interview to Joe Rogan.
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“Today I wasn’t feeling any different than any other day,” Dvalishvili said.
“I was actually curious why I wasn’t feeling that I was fighting for a UFC belt.
"Today was a normal day for me. As you see, I don’t spend my energy. Crazy. I feel I’m in a dream. Today, I’m the best fighter in the UFC. I proved!
Sean O'Malley says if Conor Mcgregor loses his next fight then he is the new number 1 in MMA
“I can go 15 more rounds like this. I have a belt, I win, everybody knows I dominated this guy.”
Umar Nurmagomedov appears to be next in line for a title shot.
The 18-0 cousin of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is fresh off a win over Cory Sandhagen - but the new champion didn't want to speak about him.
“I just won the belt,” Dvalisvhili said.
“I respect and love Dana White, whatever he wants.
"Now I’m champion, I want to be close. I want him to know me more better. I respect him. Dana White changed my life.
"Now look at me, I’m the UFC champion!”
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