By FCF Staff

Following Sean O’Malley’s loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316, the former bantamweight champ has joined the camp that’s calling the Georgian star the greatest 135’er to date.

O’Malley was booked for an immediate rematch with the champion, after losing the belt to him last September, via unanimous decision. Immediately after that bout, O’Malley began campaigning for a rematch, and he argued he could have been awarded the fight. This time around, however, Dvalishvili left no room for debate, as he finished the fight with a third-round, choke.

While reflecting on the fight’s final moments via his YouTube channel, O’Malley reported he didn’t feel like he was in serious trouble, until he realized he was (quote via MMA Fighting.com).

“It was weird. Because I didn’t feel like it was going to be tight. I felt like he was kind of stalling in that position like he does and it just got tight fast.

“I was like oh fck. I didn’t realize how much time was left, I wish I would have fcking been in my guard more instead of trying to get up and make something happen. No excuses.”

With the win, Dvalishvili (20-4) extended his winning streak to 13, and a narrative that he is the greatest bantamweight to date is growing. It’s an argument O’Malley evidently is on board with.

“He felt strong last time but this time he felt just freakishly strong,” O’Malley said. “He’s the greatest bantamweight of all time.”

The 30-year-old O’Malley (18-3) also reportedly said he is going to “chill” for a few weeks before he starts discussing his next steps with the UFC.