Firas Zahabi has advice for Merab Dvalishvili before 'fans get sick of him'

The bantamweight title changed hands in the UFC 306 main event on Sept. 14 when top contender Merab Dvalishvili defeated then-champion Sean O’Malley via unanimous decision.  

The skill that Dvalishvili outshined O’Malley the most was his grappling ability, and specifically his ability to secure takedowns.  While Dvalishvili’s fighting style wins him fights, Tristar Gym coach Firas Zahabi believes “The Machine” needs to change his style or risk fans turning against him.    

Zahabi picked Dvalishvili to defeat O’Malley.  He based that pick on Dvalishvili’s wrestling ability.  While admitting that O’Malley is the better striker between the two, Zahabi felt that Dvalishvili’s grappling would prevail.

“Merab’s wrestling is just too superior.  It’s way better,” Zahabi said on the Tristar Gym YouTube channel.  “O’Malley is very good in the striking.  Better than Merab, but Merab’s wrestling was too much.  The differential in wrestling was way too high.”   

Zahabi had mostly praise for the newly crowned UFC bantamweight champion, but pointed out Dvalishvili’s inability to finish fights.  14 of Dvalishvili’s 22 wins have been by decision.  “The Machine” has put together an astonishing 11-fight win streak but 10 of those wins went the distance.

Related: Sean O’Malley disputes loss at UFC 306, believes he’s still champion

Firas Zahabi warns Merab Dvalishvili before ‘fans get sick of him’  

Zahabi believes Dvalishvili needs to focus on finishing fights and warned of the fans potentially turning against the Georgian if he doesn’t.   

“His finishing record is abysmal.  I’ve got to be honest,” Zahabi said.  “I’m telling you, I love the guy.  He’s the new world champion.  I think he’s awesome.  However, his finishing rate…”  

“He has to change his style.  And he can do it.  He’s a very talented and intelligent guy.  He needs to do it.  If he doesn’t do it, the fans will get sick of him,” Zahabi continued.  “He has to entertain the crowd.  He has to show finishing ability.  If he doesn’t it could be disastrous for his career.”