Merab Dvalishvili is done waiting — and done being polite.

The No. 1 bantamweight contender isn’t just asking for a title shot anymore. He’s demanding it, and he’s sending a crystal-clear message to reigning champion Sean O’Malley: It won’t matter where the fight goes — Merab plans to smash him.

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 “He Can’t Run From Me”

In a fiery new interview with MMA media this week, Dvalishvili didn’t mince words.

“Sean is a good striker, flashy. But I’ll smash him standing or on the ground. He can’t stop me,” Merab said.

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“He’s not strong enough. He’s not tough enough. I’ll pressure him until he breaks.”

It’s classic Merab: unrelenting, confident, and brutally honest.

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Known for his nonstop pace, chain wrestling, and cardio machine-like output, Dvalishvili has dismantled top-tier opponents like Petr Yan, José Aldo, and Marlon Moraes on his 10-fight win streak. With no one left to fight but the champ, he’s now turning up the heat on O’Malley — publicly and relentlessly.

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 Style Clash Incoming?

If the UFC books this title fight — which many expect for late 2024 — it would be a stylistic war between O’Malley’s precision striking and Merab’s relentless grappling.

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O’Malley: Long-range sniper, slick footwork, KO power

Merab: Pressure-heavy, 25-minute engine, takedown machine

“Everyone looks good when no one’s in their face,” Merab added.
“Let’s see how he looks when he’s getting taken down 15 times.”

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Will O’Malley Respond?

So far, Sean O’Malley hasn’t directly responded to Merab’s latest comments — but the two have traded jabs online in recent months. O’Malley has downplayed Merab as a “boring fighter” while teasing potential superfights instead.

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But after defending his belt against Aljamain Sterling and Chito Vera, O’Malley is running out of options — and the UFC may not be able to deny Merab much longer.

 Countdown to Collision?

With UFC fans clamoring for more elite title fights and Merab continuing to dominate every opponent thrown his way, the pressure is on the matchmakers.

If this fight gets made, one thing’s for sure: Merab Dvalishvili is not coming to point-fight — he’s coming to break the champ.