In style! Sean O'Malley and Israel Adesanya train together at a gym in the USA

Sean O'Malley and Israel adesanya train together in the USA. Photo: Reproduction X

Sean O'Malley has quite the challenge ahead of him. The former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2kg) will have his long-awaited title rematch against Merab Dvalishvili No. UFC 316, scheduled to take place on June 7. Many see the fight as meaningless, with 'Suga' already asking more critical fans 'not to watch'.

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But it seems one UFC legend doesn't see the rematch between O'Malley and Merab as meaningless. The former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 lbs.) Israel adesanya joined 'Suga' to train at his gym, MMA Lab, which is located in Arizona (USA). 'The Last Stylebender' has been a strong reinforcement for O'Malley in his attempt to regain the bantamweight belt.

In a video posted on social media, the two appear training together a series of movements that require dexterity and strength. (see below)

Israel adesanya linked up with Sean O'Malley at Suga's gym to get some training in together.

: @stylebender pic.twitter.com/z8H1q3NrEy

—InsideFighting (@InsideFighting_) April 15, 2025

Merab Dvalishvili e Sean O'Malley met for the first time in UFC 306, in September of last year. After five intense rounds, the Georgian ended up taking the belt from the American by unanimous decision. Surprisingly, after the duel, the fighters became closer and even shared good moments as friends in a hot tub.

Last Friday (11), during the press conference of UFC 316, Merab appeared carrying a doll with O'Malley's face as if he were a baby in a kangaroo pouch. The doll also wore a cap that read 'son of Merab'.

Merab Dvalishvili stole the show at a press conference UFC 316. Photo: Reproduction MMA Junkie

Since becoming champion, Merab made a successful title defense in January of this year at UFC 311. The Georgian gave the Umar Nurmagomedov his first professional loss also by unanimous decision. O'Malley has not stepped foot in the octagon since losing the gold to Merab.

Even with UFC legend status, Israel adesanya is also in a delicate situation in his career. The former rival of Alex Poatán adds three consecutive defeats to Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis e Nassourdine Imavov.