Did Sean O'Malley win three rounds against Merab Dvalishvili? Examining 'Sugar's' claims with an in-depth breakdown

Sean O'Malley has never had the easiest time stomaching a loss. Whether that's labeling Marlon 'Chito' Vera's TKO win over him at UFC 252 as a fluke or arguing that he actually won three of the five rounds against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306, 'Sugar' will always back himself.

However, the question remains. Is it simple delusion and an inability to recognize his own shortcomings in the octagon or is O'Malley actually on to something regarding his first clash with Dvalishvili?

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Did Sean O'Malley win three rounds against Merab Dvalishvili?

There are three rounds that Sean O'Malley highlights in his argument. These rounds are the first, third, and fifth. So, is there any actual weight to his claim? Round one was a classic striker versus wrestler affair, with Merab Dvalishvili being the relentless wrestler.

However, instead of trying to apply immediate pressure like he always does, 'The Machine' first circled around O'Malley, as if testing the waters of his foe's range, wary of getting sniped on his way inside. To O'Malley's credit, he did land some clean shots, but was also taken down, outmuscled and controlled to a degree.

"Suga State athletic commission BREAKING NEWS. Suga won 2 of the last 3 rounds!! Fight Over turned. Suga won!"

O'Malley believes he did more damage, but Dvalishvili did outland him when it comes to significant strikes, and also implemented his wrestling effectively. The argument for an O'Malley round one is tenuous at best. Then there's round three, which O'Malley feels he won, and he may have a point.

Round three was competitive. 'Sugar' landed solid combinations and was largely effective with his striking. While Dvalishvili still wrestled successfully, it was not a good round and O'Malley edged it with superior striking and damage, as the Georgian star did not neutralize him as much as he did in round one.

Round five, though, was the clearest O'Malley round. Despite Dvalishvili's legendary gas tank, it was O'Malley who pressed the action, even defending takedowns while landing a hard teep kick to the body, which hurt Dvalishvili and sent him on the retreat.

However, O'Malley was too gassed out to pursue a proper finish, so Dvalishvili survived. The matchup was more competitive than most fans recall, but O'Malley did not win three out of five rounds. It's just wishful thinking from a hyper-competitive fighter.

Now, though, he has the chance to prove his superiority in the UFC 316 rematch.