The UFC 306 odds are on the move!
Formerly a large underdog, UFC bantamweight champ "Suga" Sean O'Malley will now be a -140 favorite at UFC 306 vs Merab Dvalishvili, a +110 underdog at BetMGM.
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The public bet O'Malley as an underdog all the way up to becoming the chalk as he aims to settle the score with Merab at the UFC's first-ever event at Sphere in Las Vegas on September 14.
As we await this epic fight, peep our O'Malley vs Dvalishvili odds, betting preview, and picks for UFC 306 at The Sphere.
Sean O'Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili Betting Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Sean O'Malley | -140 |
| Merab Dvalishvili | +110 |
Odds as of September 13 at BetMGM
Per our odds calculator, a $100 bet on Dvalishvili's +110 odds (47.62% implied chance) pays out $210. The same $100 on O'Malley at -140 (58.33% implied chance) pays out $171.43.
How To Bet O'Malley
Don't forget, O'Malley has pieced up a wrestler before (Aljamain Sterling), though perhaps not someone at Merab's level.
To win this fight, Suga Sean must lean into his strengths. O'Malley owns a five-inch height advantage and a four-inch reach advantage. Leg reach will be massive, too, as O'Malley can land those thunderous knees as Merab shoots for a takedown.
The early rounds will be big for O'Malley. He'll be nervous against Merab's grappling-heavy onslaught, and then if he can't hold up, Dvalishvili's cardio will take over.
If you're betting O'Malley, I'd look to an early knockout (think KO and UNDER 2.5 rounds). It will be very hard for the champ to win this fight by decision.
How To Bet Dvalishvili
Want to learn about "The Machine"? Take a look at Merab's fight vs Petr Yan in 2023. Dvalishvili attempted 49 takedowns in that bout, securing 11 of them. The 49 attempts set a new UFC single-fight record.
That's what Sean is facing. Even if Merab fails to land, he'll continuously shoot until his opponent gives out due to exhaustion. The Georgian gets top position and grinds his opponents down, waits for them to tire, then unloads the ground and pound.
If you're betting on Merab, you're looking at a five-round decision victory, as nine of his 10 UFC wins have come via the judges' scorecards.
O'Malley vs Dvalishvili Betting Pick
I believe O'Malley is special. He's a clever, accurate sniper who alters his gameplan to each opponent. He'll fight off his back vs Merab, but once he's back up, he'll let it fly.
Watch for O'Malley to feint, switch stances, and do everything he can to cross Merab up on the feet.
In the end, I'll bet O'Malley to win by KO and this fight to end inside the distance.
