As UFC 318 approaches, one of the most respected voices in MMA — Daniel Cormier (DC) — is weighing in on what makes this version of Sean O’Malley different from the fighter we saw a year ago. With a highly anticipated bantamweight title fight against Merab Dvalishvili on the horizon, DC believes O’Malley has made key adjustments that could be the difference between survival… and domination.

“Sean is not the same guy we saw early in his UFC career,” Cormier said during a recent segment on DC & RC.
“This is a more mature, more calculated O’Malley — and he knows exactly what he’s up against with Merab.”
Evolution of a Champion
O’Malley, who captured the bantamweight title in 2023 by defeating Aljamain Sterling and later defended it against Chito Vera, is now entering a new kind of challenge: a pressure-heavy, relentless grappler in Dvalishvili — someone who, stylistically, could give him trouble.
But Cormier says the champ has leveled up, both physically and mentally.
“You can see the work in the wrestling department,” DC observed.
“He’s not just training takedown defense anymore — he’s training to punish guys for shooting on him.”
Fight IQ and Patience
Cormier also praised O’Malley’s evolving fight IQ, saying it will be critical against someone with Merab’s non-stop motor.
“Merab is going to shoot 15, 20 times. That’s who he is. The difference now is that O’Malley isn’t chasing knockouts — he’s setting traps, conserving energy, and picking moments.”
Style Clash: Art vs. Grind
While many fans see the fight as a pure striker vs. grappler matchup, DC says it’s deeper than that:
O’Malley brings precision, range control, and elite footwork.
Dvalishvili brings chaos, pressure, and championship-level cardio.
“Sean O’Malley has figured out how to be dangerous every minute of a fight — even going backwards,” Cormier added.
“If he can make Merab hesitate even a little, that’s when the openings come.”

UFC 318: No More Excuses
With O’Malley now being tested against the most relentless grappler in the division, and Merab finally getting his long-awaited title shot, UFC 318 has all the ingredients for a legacy-defining moment.

Cormier’s prediction?
“If Sean keeps the fight in space and punishes the entries, I can see him winning by late stoppage. But if Merab gets on top early and often — it could be a long night.”
One thing is certain: Sean O’Malley isn’t showing up to survive — he’s showing up to prove he’s the best 135er in the world.
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