Sean O’Malley is eyeing a comeback after a tough setback earlier this year. Following his defeat to Merab Dvalishvili in their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 316, O’Malley has hinted at a return to the Octagon in either October or November. While no official fight has been announced yet, his recent interviews and social media activity suggest that the “Suga Show” is far from over.
The rematch with Merab ended in a disappointing third-round submission loss for O’Malley, marking his second defeat to the Georgian standout. It was a high-pressure bout that saw O’Malley struggle to keep up with Merab’s relentless pace and grappling. However, despite back-to-back losses in their rivalry, O’Malley remains one of the most marketable and dangerous fighters in the UFC bantamweight division. He still holds a place among the top-ranked contenders and continues to command major fan interest and pay-per-view draws.

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In the weeks following the fight, O’Malley mentioned that he was taking time to rest and reflect before making his next move. He made it clear that he would be back before the end of the year, and fans have already started speculating on potential opponents. Names like Cory Sandhagen, Umar Nurmagomedov, and even a featherweight jump have been discussed by fans and analysts alike. Whether it’s a high-stakes contender bout or a fresh matchup designed to reset his momentum, O’Malley’s next appearance will undoubtedly draw attention.
With the UFC calendar packed in the final quarter of 2025, an October or November return would position O’Malley on a major card. As always, the buildup will be loud, colorful, and full of drama—the signature Suga style. All eyes are now on what comes next.
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