Merab Dvalishvili’s Coach Downplays Broken Toe Ahead of UFC 316 Rematch with Sean O’Malley

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has revealed a pre-fight setback just weeks before his title defense at UFC 316. The Georgian star confirmed he suffered a broken toe two weeks prior to his June 7 rematch with Sean O’Malley, which headlines the fight card at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The news raised eyebrows across the MMA world, especially given the similarity to Conor McGregor’s toe injury that forced him out of UFC 303. But John Wood, Dvalishvili’s coach, was quick to calm concerns.

"It’s really not that bad"

Speaking on Submission Radio, Wood brushed off the significance of the injury.

"He loves to rile everybody up. The thing is, as much as people think, 'oh, that's stupid or this or that.' He would never post something that was going to take him out of a fight," Wood said. "So guys, if he's posting something it's really not that bad and it's not going to bother him that bad."

Wood highlighted that entering a fight with injuries is par for the course in MMA, even at the highest level.

"I'm sure he broke his toe but like you don't understand. Every camp and every fighter, even O'Malley says it, everybody is banged up," he continued. "There's a level of injuries you go into fights with. That's the way it is. That's the way it's going to be, and that's the way it always is. It's just one of those things, obviously, Merab likes to post about a little more than everybody else. It's alright, though. He's all good."

Coach: Dvalishvili’s Fought Through Worse

Wood downplayed the toe issue further, noting that Dvalishvili has faced far tougher physical battles in the past.

"That's nothing compared to a lot of the things we've had going into fights," Wood said. "He's had some massive injuries going into some massive fights before, and been banged up. Broken ribs and backs complete out of whack. But that's just the way it goes. He's going go show up and do his job no matter what."

UFC 316: A Grudge Match Reignited

This bout marks the second meeting between Dvalishvili and O’Malley. The first took place at UFC 306 last September, where Dvalishvili claimed the 135-pound title. O’Malley underwent hip surgery after the loss and has not fought since.

In the meantime, Dvalishvili defended his belt in dominant fashion at UFC 311, earning a unanimous decision win over Umar Nurmagomedov. Now, he faces a revitalized O’Malley in one of the most anticipated rematches of the year.

Stay with NeverEnding Sports for the latest news on UFC 316, injury updates, and all your essential fight night coverage.