Fresh off his grueling loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316, Sean “Sugar” O’Malley isn’t backing down. In fact, he’s doubling down.

In a recent interview, the former bantamweight champion made headlines by declaring he “still believes he beats Merab 9 times out of 10.” But while fans debate whether that’s confidence or delusion, UFC legend Michael Bisping is offering a much-needed dose of harsh honesty about what’s next for “Suga.”

 O’Malley: “I Just Had an Off Night”

Despite being outwrestled and controlled for the majority of five rounds, O’Malley isn’t conceding any ground to Merab in spirit.

“I didn’t feel like myself in there. The timing was off, and I let him dictate the pace. But I know I beat that guy 9 out of 10 times. That wasn’t me at my best,” O’Malley said on his podcast.

The statement sparked immediate backlash online, with some fans calling it “classic Suga confidence,” while others labeled it “delusional” given Merab’s dominant performance.

The Reality: Merab’s Grinding Style Was Too Much

In their UFC 316 title fight, Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili showcased relentless takedowns, suffocating pressure, and elite cardio—everything he’s known for. O’Malley had flashes of brilliance in striking, but couldn’t keep the fight standing long enough to impose his game.

It wasn’t just a loss—it was a lesson in what happens when hype meets hard-nosed, no-frills grappling.

 Bisping Gets Honest

On his “Believe You Me” podcast, former middleweight champ Michael Bisping addressed O’Malley’s comments—and didn’t hold back.

“Sean is a star, and he’s still one of the best strikers in the division. But Merab exposed a hole. That’s not disrespect—that’s reality,” Bisping said.

“If he wants another crack at that belt, he’s going to have to reinvent his wrestling defense and rebuild with tougher matchups—not just fun ones.”

Bisping also noted that UFC stardom and championship-level grit aren’t always the same thing:

“You can be popular, you can be flashy—but to stay on top in the UFC, you have to evolve. Right now, Merab’s style is built for five-round dominance. Sean needs to ask himself: is he ready to grind, or just entertain?”

What’s Next for “Suga” Sean?

Despite the loss, O’Malley remains one of the biggest names in the sport. With his charisma, fanbase, and highlight-reel striking, he’ll always be in the mix. But the next move will be telling:

Rematch with Chito Vera?

A bounce-back fight against Cory Sandhagen or Rob Font?

Or a long-term rebuild to try again for the title in 2026?

One thing is certain: the bantamweight division is as deep as ever, and the days of getting by on hype alone are over.

 Final Thought

O’Malley says he can beat Merab—but the Octagon told a different story. Whether it was just an off night or a true exposure of limitations, only time (and his next opponent) will reveal.

And as Bisping put it best:

“Talk is great. But greatness is earned in the grind—not just in the mic drop.”