UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley aims to face the division’s top-ranked contender, Merab Dvalishvili.

O’Malley is coming off a one-sided unanimous decision win against Marlon Vera at UFC 299. The victory meant Suga avenged the only loss on his record. O’Malley first grabbed the title after knocking out Aljamain Sterling in the second round at UFC 292. That ended Sterling’s night fight win streak.

O’Malley is now looking to do the same against Dvalishvili. Dvalishvili has won his last ten bouts, making him one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. While O’Malley has hinted at moving up to featherweight to face the current champion, Ilia Topuria, he wants Dvalishvili next.

O’Malley vs Dvalishvili

“Merab’s next. Your wish is granted. A lot of people said I’m ducking him — I just really am not ducking that little dude. I like the fight for me. There’s multiple ways to win. I’m excited about the fight now, finally. I was never ducking him, I was just never excited to fight him. He’s just such a, I don’t know — now, is it the right time? Like the ‘Chito’ rematch, the time will come where it’s the right time to fight certain people. Merab’s next, and be careful what you wish for, buddy,” O’Malley said

Another UFC fighter on a mission is Nick Diaz, who has hinted at a return. Diaz’s last UFC appearance was in 2021 at UFC 266. He was stopped by Robbie Lawler, bringing his record to three losses in a row. His last victory was in 2011 when he secured a unanimous decision win over B.J. Penn at UFC 137. At that point, Diaz had won 11 bouts in a row. But now he has hinted at a possible return. The following footage shows him hitting the heavy bag as he targets a return to the sport.

Diaz’s Return