Sean O’Malley Trains with Former Flyweight Champion Ahead of UFC 316
As Sean O’Malley gears up for his highly anticipated rematch against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316, he’s pulling out all the stops to reclaim the Bantamweight Title. In a strategic move, O’Malley has brought in former UFC Flyweight Champion and MMA legend Demetrious Johnson to assist in his training camp. Johnson, renowned for his exceptional grappling and fight IQ, is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. One would think his expertise would be extremely valuable in helping O’Malley address the challenges posed by Dvalishvili’s relentless wrestling and pressure.
The decision to collaborate with Johnson comes after O’Malley’s loss to Dvalishvili at UFC 306, where he struggled against the Georgian’s takedown-heavy approach. In their first fight, O’Malley was taken down six times and was held there for over 10 minutes. O’Malley has since been outspoken about his training and recognizing the need to enhance his grappling defense. O’Malley has seemingly sought out Johnson’s guidance to refine his skills and develop strategies to counter Dvalishvili’s strengths. Although neither O’Malley nor Johnson has confirmed the specific focus of their work together, it’s safe to say it’s most likely to focus on grappling. Training alongside a fighter who excelled in transitions, cage control, and composure under pressure could give O’Malley a fresh perspective heading into this critical Bantamweight Championship fight. Working with Johnson shows a willingness to learn from one of the sport’s most skilled veterans.
Beyond strict technique, Johnson’s presence in O’Malley’s camp brings a wealth of experience and a champion’s mindset. Having defended his UFC Flyweight Championship 11 times, Johnson understands the mental fortitude that is needed to stay at the top. All of these things could easily benefit O’Malley as he returns to the spotlight in a high-stakes rematch. For a fighter who thrives on confidence and rhythm, surrounding himself with championship-caliber energy could be key to making the right adjustments. Whether the partnership directly translates to success inside the cage remains to be seen, but it signals that O’Malley is taking UFC 316 seriously and still trying to develop his game before facing a formidable opponent.
