Analysis: UFC title fights in 2024 – Who will be the next champion?

Sean O’Malley (c) vs. Merab Dvalishvili

Sean O’Malley. Photo via Twitter (UFC)

• Prediction: Sean O’Malley via KO
• When: UFC 306 on September 14

The bantamweight bout between champion Sean O’Malley and challenger Merab Dvalishvili is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup.

This fight will come down to who can adapt their game; ”Sugar’s” distance and striking against Dvalishvili’s pressure and wrestling.

O’Malley is phenomenal at fighting on his backfoot and has the best timing in the UFC, so the challenger must be very aware when he’s closing the distance. I mean, just look at what ”Sugar” did to Aljamain Sterling.