In a detailed breakdown of the rematch between Sean “Suga” O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316, O’Malley’s longtime coach Tim Welch revisits the fight to reflect on what went wrong and what they can learn moving forward.

 Tactical Breakdown & Key Mistakes

Welch explains that one of the biggest issues was O’Malley’s inability to maintain proper distance—one of his strongest advantages in striking. Merab, known for his relentless pressure and world-class wrestling, was able to close the gap repeatedly and force O’Malley into a defensive shell. According to Welch, had O’Malley managed to control the range and tempo better, the fight could have played out very differently.

 Mental Prep & Coaching Reflections

Welch also highlighted that there may have been shortcomings in the mental and tactical preparation going into the fight. While O’Malley had moments of success, deviations from the original game plan—combined with Merab’s physicality—proved costly. Welch admits they underestimated some aspects of Merab’s pace and pressure.

 Looking Ahead

Despite the loss, both Welch and O’Malley remain optimistic about the future. They are taking this fight as a valuable lesson and are committed to refining their strategy and preparation. The team aims to come back stronger, smarter, and more focused in future title defenses.

If you’re interested in the full analysis, you can watch Tim Welch’s detailed commentary on YouTube by searching the title:
“What Went WRONG vs Merab?! | Tim Welch Rewatches SUGA vs MERAB 2!”