(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for new champ Merab Dvalishvili after UFC 306?)
Sean O’Malley’s reign as bantamweight champion came to an unexpected halt on Saturday when Merab Dvalishvili claimed the title in the UFC 306 main event.
Unlike his previous loss to Marlon Vera, which he later avenged, this defeat left no room for doubt. O’Malley (18-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) was bested by Dvalishvili (18-4 MMA, 11-2 UFC) over five rounds, suffering a unanimous decision loss at Sphere in Las Vegas, highlighting the need for improvement in his grappling.
O’Malley’s rapid ascent to the championship bypassed many established contenders in the bantamweight division. To reclaim the title, he will now have to face some of these top fighters, offering a plethora of exciting potential matchups.
Who will O’Malley face next? Check out the video above for insights and analysis on his future following UFC 306.
For more detailed coverage of the event, head over to MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 306.
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