By Merab Dvalishvili has expressed intense frustration towards Sean O’Malley’s head coach, Tim Welch, ahead of their bout at UFC 306. Dvalishvili and O’Malley recently faced off in a promotional photoshoot for the event, during which tensions escalated between the two fighters. The bad blood was further fueled by a confrontation between Dvalishvili and Welch, who had previously engaged in a spat with Dvalishvili’s teammate, former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, on social media.
Dvalishvili criticized Welch for his behavior during O’Malley’s previous fight and for continuing to disrespect him on social media. He expressed his anger by saying Welch deserves to be “smacked” and referred to him as “not a real coach” and “not a real man.” Dvalishvili emphasized that his issue with Welch is personal and not something he intends to settle in the octagon, but rather in a more confrontational, non-regulated manner.
Despite the heated exchanges, Dvalishvili made it clear that his focus remains on his upcoming fight with O’Malley, where they will compete under UFC rules. However, he did not shy away from asserting that if he encounters Welch outside the cage, he plans to confront him directly.
The buildup to UFC 306 has certainly been charged with animosity, setting the stage for what is sure to be a highly anticipated showdown in Las Vegas.
