Merab Dvalishvili won the UFC Bantamweight Title in the main event of UFC 306, defeating Sean O'Malley by unanimous decision.
Merab dominated the fight with his wrestling, controlling O'Malley won the ground en route to the decision victory.
In the second round, Merba had O'Malley in a seated and in a front face lock near the cage as the round was winding down. Merab began kissed O'Malley on the back before releasing the hold and walking back to his corner, seemingly believing the round was over. There were still three seconds left on the clock, and O'Malley threw a couple of punches at Merab, who had his back turned, as the round ended.
Merab just kissed Sean O Malley like Sean his b1tch ---------- #UFC306pic.twitter.com/kg7MvVWpRQ
— TwinVamos (@TwinVamos) September 15, 2024
Taking to social media, Merab explained why he released the hold when he did.
Wanted to explain also what happened during fight - when I got O'Malley in the choke... I heard 10 seconds and knew I didn't have enough time for a submission so ..... I decided to show him who the daddy was of this fight and gave his back a few kisses LOL. When the ref touched…
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) September 16, 2024
Merab also explained what happened at the start of the fight when he pointed at O'Malley's corner and was yelling at them.
Everyone is asking what happened at start of fight - I was trying to stay professional and focus on the fight only, not wanting to change the energy of the fight. I made no eye contact with O'Malleys team. BUT when the fight started I hear his team calling out to me - Merab..…
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) September 16, 2024
Merab has won eleven straight fights in the UFC with ten of them coming by decision.
Fans can find Fightful's coverage of UFC 306 by clicking here.
