3 things we learned from UFC 306 media day

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience in following UFC events, I must say that this pre-fight media day for UFC 306 has been quite intriguing! The build-up to these fights is always exciting, but the personalities and stories behind each fighter make it even more captivating.

10 fighters participating in UFC 306 (also known as Noche UFC) gathered at the UFC APEX for a pre-fight press event on Wednesday. This is a significant card, taking place at The Sphere in Las Vegas and marking the celebration of Mexican Independence Day. Here are three key takeaways from that media day session, and you can watch all the interviews on YouTube.

1. Sean O’Malley thinks he’s ‘close’ to overtaking Conor McGregor’s star status

Currently, UFC bantamweight title holder Sean O’Malley frequently draws comparisons to previous two-division champion Conor McGregor. However, as McGregor takes a break from competition and O’Malley takes center stage, it’s increasingly evident that O’Malley is gaining significant prominence.

O’Malley expressed his belief at Wednesday’s pre-fight media event that Conor McGregor is nearly at his peak of stardom. He suggested that McGregor has one more major fight left due to uncertainty about his comeback and potential victory over Michael Chandler. If McGregor were to lose his upcoming bout, it would mark six consecutive losses, which should eventually subside. However, if this trend continues, it could test the extent of McGregor’s stardom. O’Malley implied that he is ready to step in and take over as the top contender if McGregor were to lose.

2. Merab Dvalishvili reveals what Sean O’Malley said to make him want to ‘smack his fac’

Merab Dvalishvili deeply values his homeland, Georgia, and the derogatory remarks made by Sean O’Malley towards the Georgian people struck a chord with him. Although he maintains that their fight isn’t on a personal level, he felt compelled to respond to the insult.

During UFC 306 media day, Dvalishvili stated, “This isn’t about personal feelings. This is a professional fight. It’s for a UFC title. It’s about creating a legacy. There were instances where I felt anger towards him. I was particularly angry when he made disrespectful remarks about my country. My country holds a special place in my heart, and that’s why I started fighting – to represent it.

He went on, expressing, “This is just friendly rivalry, which is our usual practice. But if someone shows disregard for your family or your nation, it’s natural to feel angry. If you are a man, you should feel anger, and I felt like I wanted to retaliate in that moment by striking him.

3. Valentina Shevchenko is adamant that she won the rematch with Alexa Grasso

Valentina Shevchenko views her rematch with Alexa Grasso not as a defeat or even the draw it became. Instead, she is convinced that she emerged victorious and believes both the media and the public share this perspective.

Shevchenko expressed at UFC 306 media day, “I can’t repeat what I said before, but it’s incorrect. In our second bout, it was clear that I won, yet a draw was declared. In such circumstances, a draw might be acceptable. However, I don’t know what else to do or how to change things. I simply had to concentrate on performing and preparing myself as best as possible. I can say that my training camp was exceptional. I pushed myself beyond all limits, and yes, I’m fully prepared for the action. This event and our fight will be fantastic.

2024-09-12 18:43