Sean O’Malley didn’t recognize Merab Dvalishvili during backstage run-in following UFC 299 main event (Video)

Sean O’Malley had a run-in with Merab Dvalishvili backstage at UFC 299, but “Suga” didn’t even know it was the highly-ranked bantamweight he was speaking to.

O’Malley turned in a stellar performance at UFC 299 against Marlon “Chito” Vera. It was O’Malley’s first UFC Bantamweight Championship defense, and it went as well as he could’ve hoped for. While “Chito” was one tough customer, O’Malley had success on the outside and his striking was on display for five rounds. He scored the unanimous decision victory.

After the fight, O’Malley called for a bout with UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria while Merab Dvalishvili was in the crowd. During the UFC 299 post-fight press conference, the “Suga” show admitted he has more than one direction he can go in next (via MMAJunkie).

“It’s nice having options. It’s hard to make a decision right after the fight. We’ll see how it plays out, talk to the UFC, talk to Hunter (Campbell), talk to Dana (White), and we’ll see what happens.”

RELATED: MERAB DVALISHVILI LASHES OUT AFTER SEAN O’MALLEY CALLS OUT FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMP ILIA TOPURIA AT UFC 299

Sean O’Malley Walks Past Merab Dvalishvili Without Noticing Him

Footage recently surfaced of Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili having a backstage run-in following the UFC 299 main event. “Suga” insisted he didn’t even know he was initially being confronted by Merab.

“I didn’t know who that was” – Sean O’Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) runs into Merab Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) backstage at UFC 299 😅 https://t.co/DAKEz4he2N

— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) March 10, 2024

Regardless of what’s next for O’Malley, UFC CEO Dana White told reporters that the bantamweight star’s stock continues to rise (h/t MMAJunkie)

“He put on a clinic and I don’t know if anybody can finish ‘Chito’ Vera,” White said. “I mean, that guy has a chin like I’ve never seen. He ate those two knees, big shots all night. Everybody knows the power O’Malley has. He ate all those shots, even the shots to the body, kicks, punches to the body. ‘Chito’ Vera is one of the most durable fighters I’ve ever seen.”