Ray Longo, former coach of Merab Dvalishvili, predicts a tough battle ahead for Dvalishvili as he faces off against Sean O’Malley at UFC 306. Despite Dvalishvili’s strong career record, Longo believes that O’Malley will have moments to shine with his striking skills during the fight. According to Longo, the key for Dvalishvili will be to withstand the damage from O’Malley’s attacks and stick to his own game plan to secure victory.
Longo emphasizes the fact that Dvalishvili will likely have to endure some heavy hits in order to come out on top in the fight. O’Malley’s precision striking makes it crucial for Dvalishvili to be prepared to take some punishment and keep pushing forward. Longo warns against underestimating O’Malley’s ability to land clean shots and advises Dvalishvili to approach the fight with caution and resilience.
Despite the upcoming challenge, Dvalishvili has shown remarkable durability throughout his career. He has never been knocked out and has only been dropped once in his twelve UFC fights. Longo recalls Dvalishvili’s epic comeback against Marlon Moraes at UFC 266, highlighting his ability to weather storms and persevere in the face of adversity. As Dvalishvili prepares for the title fight against O’Malley, Longo hopes that he can learn from past mistakes and avoid getting caught by devastating punches.
Reflecting on the strategies implemented in previous fights, Longo stresses the importance of Dvalishvili staying disciplined and focused on executing his game plan. He recalls moments from the Moraes fight where specific techniques were drilled in training, only to be forgotten in the heat of the moment. Longo wants Dvalishvili to remember the hard work and dedication that have led him to this UFC title shot and to stay committed to his training regimen.
Longo’s analysis of the Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley UFC match provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for both fighters. As the date of the fight approaches, Dvalishvili must mentally prepare himself to face a formidable opponent in O’Malley and to showcase his strength, resilience, and determination inside the Octagon.