The bantamweight title modified arms within the UFC 306 principal occasion on Sept. 14 when high contender Merab Dvalishvili defeated then-champion Sean O’Malley by way of unanimous determination.
The talent that Dvalishvili outshined O’Malley probably the most was his grappling skill, and particularly his skill to safe takedowns. Whereas Dvalishvili’s preventing model wins him fights, Tristar Health club coach Firas Zahabi believes “The Machine” wants to vary his model or danger followers turning in opposition to him.
Zahabi picked Dvalishvili to defeat O’Malley. He based mostly that decide on Dvalishvili’s wrestling skill. Whereas admitting that O’Malley is the higher striker between the 2, Zahabi felt that Dvalishvili’s grappling would prevail.
“Merab’s wrestling is simply too superior. It is method higher,” Zahabi mentioned on the Tristar Health club YouTube channel. “O’Malley is excellent within the placing. Higher than Merab, however Merab’s wrestling was an excessive amount of. The differential in wrestling was method too excessive.”
Zahabi had principally reward for the newly topped UFC bantamweight champion, however identified Dvalishvili’s incapacity to complete fights. 14 of Dvalishvili’s 22 wins have been by determination. “The Machine” has put collectively an astonishing 11-fight win streak however 10 of these wins went the space.
Related: Sean O’Malley disputes loss at UFC 306, believes he’s still champion
Firas Zahabi warns Merab Dvalishvili earlier than ‘followers get sick of him’
Zahabi believes Dvalishvili must give attention to ending fights and warned of the followers doubtlessly turning in opposition to the Georgian if he would not.
“His ending document is abysmal. I’ve bought to be sincere,” Zahabi mentioned. “I am telling you, I really like the man. He is the brand new world champion. I feel he is superior. Nonetheless, his ending charge…”
“He has to vary his model. And he can do it. He is a really proficient and clever man. He must do it. If he would not do it, the followers will get sick of him,” Zahabi continued. “He has to entertain the gang. He has to indicate ending skill. If he would not it could possibly be disastrous for his profession.”
