MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom takes a closer look at UFC 306’s main event: Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili UFC 306 (pay-per-view, ESPNews, ESPN+) takes place Saturday at Sphere in Las Vegas. Sean O’Malley UFC 306 preview Sean O’Malley Staple info: Record: (18-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) Height: 5’11” Age: 29 Weight: 135 lbs. Reach: 72″ Last fight: Decision win over Marlon Vera (March 9, 2024) MMA LAB (Arizona) Stance/striking style: Switch-stance/kickboxing Risk management: Good Supplemental info: + UFC bantamweight champion + Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt + Amateur MMA titles + Amateur boxing and kickboxing experience + 12 KO victories + 1 submission win + 9 first-round finishes + KO power + Creative striking flow and feints ^ Variates looks and levels + Accurate shot selection ^ Coming forward and off the counter + Dynamic kicking arsenal + Shows improved offensive wrestling + Serviceable scrambling and grappling + Active and attacking guard ====== Merab Dvalishvili UFC 306 preview Merab Dvalishvili Staple info: Record: (17-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC) Height: 5’6″ Age: 33 Weight: 135 lbs. Reach: 68″ Last fight: Decision win over Henry Cejudo (Feb.17, 2024) Camp: Syndicate MMA/Serra-Longo (Las Vegas) Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing Risk management: Fair Supplemental info: + Regional MMA titles + Multiple sambo championships + Judo black belt + Amateur MMA accolades + 3 KO victories + 1 submission win + 1 first-round finish + Relentless pace and pressure + Steadily improved striking technique ^ Variates looks and levels + Strong inside the clinch ^ Works well from bodylock + Solid offensive wrestling ^ Chains attacks and scrambles well + Aggressive ground striker ^ Operates well in transition Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili point of interest: Striking with “The Sugar Show” Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Merab Dvalishvili moves in with a hit against Henry Cejudo during UFC 298 at Honda Center
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