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3 keys to victory for Sean O’Malley & Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306

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3 keys to victory for Sean O'Malley & Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306

As a hardcore UFC fan with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the upcoming UFC 306 at The Sphere is shaping up to be a thrilling event, especially for fans like myself who appreciate the skill and artistry of Mexican fighters. The main event between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili promises to be a nail-biter, given their impressive win streaks and high-level skills.

The highly anticipated UFC 306 is set to take place at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 14th. This occasion, celebrating Mexican Independence Day, will feature a top-tier match between Sean O’Malley, the current bantamweight champion, and No. 1 contender Merab Dvalishvili. Both fighters have been on remarkable winning streaks, showcasing their exceptional skills as they reach the peak of their careers. The unique fighting styles of both combatants make this a challenging fight to predict, as each has a strategy that could lead them to victory. Here are some strategies each fighter can employ for a successful outcome.

3 keys to victory for Sean O’Malley

1. Control range

O’Malley exhibits a distinctive fighting style, showcasing his exceptional skill as a long-range sniper with a high IQ. A single well-placed punch can knock out any opponent. Dvalishvili is vulnerable to hits, yet he’s resilient and recovers well. O’Malley has the potential to subdue Dvalishvili due to his superior striking abilities compared to those who have previously hurt him. However, he must exercise caution in choosing the right moments for impactful punches, avoiding hasty attempts. This was evident at UFC 266 when Marlon Morales learned the hard way; attempting a premature finish on an injured Dvalishvili led to his own defeat in the end.

The primary way O’Malley can control range is with his reach advantage, as he has a 72-inch reach while Dvalishvilli has a 68-inch reach. Besides finding a finish, O’Malley’s reach can help stop Dvalishvilli from imposing his style of overwhelming opponents with pressure. From the right distance, he can keep hurting him with power punches until he breaks him, which would be smarter than rushing. As Dvalishvilli gets hurt, the more hesitant he becomes. It can then become O’Malley’s fight to win.

2. Use footwork

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at O’Malley’s exceptional footwork. He employs it skillfully to dissect his opponents, and it was on full display in his last fight at UFC 299 where he avenged his sole defeat against Marlon Vera. Vera found it tough to decipher O’Malley’s moves, failing to land substantial blows within striking distance.

3. Defend takedowns

In the wrestling department, Dvalishvili holds an edge over O’Malley due to his extensive background in judo, sambo, and Georgian wrestling. His exceptional cardio plays a significant role in supporting his frequent takedown attempts, which he can execute tirelessly without showing signs of exhaustion. However, there’s a silver lining for O’Malley; Dvalishvili doesn’t always follow through with takedowns. Instead, he occasionally uses them as a means to unsettle his opponents on the feet. O’Malley can counter this by employing agile footwork to dodge Dvalishvili’s attempts or relying on defensive techniques demonstrated in his bouts against Petr Yan and Aljimain Sterling.

3 keys to victory for Merab Dvalishvili

1. Be defensively responsible

In his fighting career, Dvalishvili has never been knocked out, but he has taken some substantial hits, notably in bouts against Morales and Henry Cejudo where they both landed hard left hooks on him. While he managed to recover each time, if O’Malley lands a well-timed punch, it could lead to a more challenging scenario for Dvalishvili. To prevent this from becoming a memorable knockout for O’Malley, Dvalishvili needs to focus on strong defensive striking techniques. This is crucial if he wants to implement his signature high-intensity pressure gameplan and eventually earn the title. A high guard and agile head movement would be beneficial in avoiding O’Malley’s long, powerful punches.

2. Close the distance

To win against O’Malley, Dvalishvili needs to find a way to overcome his range advantage. This means closing the gap between them for a victory. Once he’s close enough, he can utilize his wrestling skills to dominate on control and points. If he manages to push O’Malley against the cage, he has the opportunity to land powerful strikes inside since O’Malley might struggle to outpoint him from afar. However, this strategy hinges on Dvalishvili being careful not to take any significant blows while closing in. If he can successfully close the distance early, he could potentially wear down O’Malley during the later rounds, a time when Dvalishvili has typically excelled.

3. Wrestle

In a nutshell, Dvalishvili has a clear wrestling edge over O’Malley that could be crucial for his victory. He boasts multiple strategies to bring down opponents, including single-legged, double-legged, and even lifting them up for slams on the mat. Notably, Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, was taken down by Dvalishvili no less than five times, despite six other unsuccessful attempts from Dvalishvili. The control he exerts over the octagon is tough to shake off. While his approach might seem dull, it’s a shrewd strategy if he aims to secure the win.

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2024-09-11 18:13

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