Dana White drops update on Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley 2: 'People want to see it'

UFC CEO Dana White was in the midst of wrapping up his UFC Seattle post-fight presser when a question arose about the immediate future of the UFC bantamweight division.

After shooting down the idea of a Henry Cejudo vs. Song Yadong rematch, White may have, whether intentionally or not, hinted at who UFC Bantamweight. Champion Merab Dvalishvili will fight in his first title defense.

Simply put, it's a rematch of a fight that most of the MMA community was disappointed by after much anticipation ahead of the UFC's lone MSG Sphere event last September.

Dana White is asked about a rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley:

“They want to fight each other, and I think people want to see it.” 👀#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/MhBpQTT6XS
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 23, 2025

"They want to fight each other and I think people want to see it,” White said.

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What Happened In O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili 1?

The first fight, which saw Dvalishvili (19-4 MMA, 12-2 UFC) defeat O'Malley (18-2 MMA, 10-2, 1 NC UFC) by decision to become the new champion, ushered in a new era in the division.

O'Malley's title run was short-lived, managing one successful defense when he exacted revenge for his only loss against Marlon Vera (23-10-1 MMA, 15-9 UFC) last April.

Sean O'Malley fights Merab Dvalishvili of Georgia during Riyadh Season Noche UFC 306 at Sphere. | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

O'Malley hasn't fought since losing his belt last September. It's likely for good reason, which gave then-undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) a chance to carry forward his family legacy.

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Sean O'Malley's Last Chance To Regain Belt?

Nurmagomedov wound up losing a decision to Dvalishvili, further deconstructing the argument for Nurmagomedov to be considered a potential future bantamweight legend.

Sean O'Malley fights Merab Dvalishvili during Riyadh Season Noche UFC 306 at Sphere. | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Now, it appears the division has swiftly moved on, giving O'Malley another crack at not only avenging another loss, but regaining his title.

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The rarity of immediate rematch further solidifies the possibility of this fight being a must-win for 'Suga,' as his starpower likely outweighs the vast majority of the division's Top 10.

Nevertheless, it'll be interesting to see whether O'Malley can fix his weaknesses, exploit new ones, or be the first fighter since April 2018 to beat Dvalishvili.

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