They say it’s lonely at the top, but is it so for the UFC Bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili? The Georgian wrestler is on a generational run as he has torn through the 135-pound division with a twelve-fight win streak and one title defense to show for it. And, along the way, ‘The Machine’s infamous, out-of-the-world antics, showboating, and trash talk have made sure his rivals are always on the go.

And so is the case for UFC 316 when Dvalishvili will face off against the former bantamweight champion himself in ‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley. The titans will clash in the main event of the fight card, marking their second encounter inside the Octagon. Their first bout occurred during the UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche UFC. The fight was a humiliating affair for O’Malley, as he was dominated throughout the encounter. In some instances, Dvalishvili was even seen kissing the back of Sean as a sign of disrespect towards his grappling.

Lately, ‘Suga’ Sean has taken a different approach to this fight. No longer are we seeing the brash and nonchalant fighter we saw going into UFC 306. Instead, O’Malley has changed things up by taking a break from all his online activity. Furthermore, after the fight, the Helena, Montana native even stated that he thought “Merab’s a good dude.”

But make no mistake—O’Malley isn’t here to make friends. Instead, he seems super locked in as he stated, “I truly believe I’m gonna put his lights out very early. I find people’s chin. That’s what I’m saying. I do. I’m going to find Merab’s chin. He has a huge head. I could try not to hit him and probably still accidentally hit him.”

UFC Canada’s Instagram handle uploaded a video of their face-off before UFC 306, where both can be seen speaking quite a bit of trash to each other. Reacting to the video, fans showed concern for the former bantamweight champion. They believe the end of this fight will possibly be the same as their last encounter, if not worse.

So what did fans say that showed concern for ‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley? Well, fans were divided, but most seemed to pick Dvalishvili over O’Malley as the winner in that fight.

“I got Merab by dominating again.”- Fans doubt Sean O’Malley’s chances against Merab Dvalishvili

One fan, while acknowledging both the titans, commented, “I like both… But Merab it’s another level. And from here on in, the comments just got darker for the ‘Suga’ Sean. One fan, expecting a similar outcome as to their last bout, commented, “Merab , It’s going to run over him like last time.” One way or another, fans can envision doom for O’Malley in the rematch.

Some of O’Malley fans made their way to the comment section too, as one commented, “Sean is clearly set to do what he should’ve done in the first fight, and that’s look for his chin, and crack it. Might be a ko inside the first 3, or a decision. Sean is taking the belt.” While another fan joined him, saying, “On 1 leg last fight and still was close definitely gonna be a different outcome.” 

But one fan wasn’t as optimistic for ‘Suga’, envisioning a scenario where he loses again: “4. If Sean loses, Probability of him getting back that belt very slim. There some youngsters coming thru that are killah’s. And one comment stole the show, referring to the moments O’Malley and Dvalishvili’s friendly interactions: “they act like they ain’t friends.”

However, at UFC 316, animosity or friendship will not matter in front of the competition. Whether they are friends or rivals, both Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili will try to bring the other to a brutal ending. The question is who will come out on top? Will the 135-pound kingpin defend his throne again? Or will the vengeance-filled striker finally have his belt back? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.