The MMA Hour: Sean O’Malley, Ian Machado Garry, Merab Dvalishvili, and Oban Elliott | Feb 19, 2024

The Mixed Martial Arts Hour is back in your life! Below is a rundown of Monday’s show, which begins at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. UK time.
00:00:00 Standby
00:01:02 Intro
00:06:18 Recapping the events of the weekend with UFC 298 and more.
01:03:00 UFC 298 winner Ian Machado Garry breaks down his win over Geoff Neal and what’s next.
01:36:24 UFC bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili talks his win over Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 and his upcoming title shot.
02:02:22 UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley reacts to UFC 298 and previews his title defense against Marlon Chito Vera at UFC 299.
02:33:31 UFC 298 winner Oban Elliott returns to the show to talk about his octagon debut and what’s next.
03:08:50 Parlay boys pick best bets for UFC Mexico City, PFL vs. Bellator and more.
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#mma #mmahour #ufc

[@MMAFightingonSBN]

00:01:02 Intro 00:06:18 Weekend recap 01:03:00 Ian Machado Garry 01:36:24 Merab Dvalishvili 02:02:22 Sean O’Malley 02:33:31 Oban Elliott 03:08:50 Parlay pals/Bets

[@streampunk6932]

Merab must be one of the nicest humans ever, and hearing his story and how he struggled, I was writing it on another video today, if he wins the belt and defends it multiple times, and also with the idea that he put his friendship over money even under the threat of losing everything, it's like a movie material of a dream coming true. If that fight with O'Malley happens and he is not able to catch Merab in the first or the second round, bro he's done, Merab in a 5-rounder is a completely different monster.

[@IgotTigersblood]

Merab is a beast! How did he put friendship over money?

[@LowkeyLukeDnB]

@@IgotTigersbloodby refusing to fight aljo while he was champion

[@IgotTigersblood]

@@LowkeyLukeDnB Lol Idk why everybody thinks hes such a good dude that he'd sit his prime yrs out? Hes a super good dude, but he wasn't offered the chance to fight for the belt. He begs for the title shot for a reason. He talked about it this weekend

[@uefa347]

Can't agree more, his cardio is out of the charts and he never stops coming at you. In the embedded episodes they showed him going more than 20 rounds non stop. Sean is an amazing counter striker though, he'll need to catch him before he gasses

[@marinmarinhola]

​@@IgotTigersbloodDana himself stated Merab was offered the shot and declined while Aljo was champion.

[@nbvnification]

Merab is my new favourite fighter

[@rspct9654]

ufc fans have a new favourite fighter every week lmao

[@nbvnification]

@@rspct9654 what do you know about anything

[@blakbirdlok42069]

No way all respect to merab but never get excited for a snooze fest 😴

[@nbvnification]

@@blakbirdlok42069 damn bro

[@davidtoidze9408]

Merab 100% deserved to be the next 🤘

[@DudeWithTheFro1]

Yes he does. Hope they don’t treat him like they doing Belal

[@floodwaters8887]

no he doesn't he refused to fight Sterling because there "friends"

[@benmcreynolds8581]

It's refreshing to get that honest take from O'malley. I'm glad he's focused on chito & then has a pretty balanced opinion on the future but not looking past Chito because anything can happen.

[@lovefist86]

Refreshing seeing fighters who are not only very skilled but level headed and decent people.

[@downsouth5971]

@@lovefist86 Nothing decent about drugs and promiscuity .....

[@thegreatnitchi5066]

Props to G.C. man. I'm not the guy to just throw out compliments, esp. on social media, BUT G.C. knows as much about UFC as anybody on this panel! Excluding "The Nose" of course.

[@b0nzik]

He just started watching like 2 years ago

[@RyderPoleyProduction]

@@b0nzikmore to his point

[@b0nzik]

​@@RyderPoleyProduction right

[@dakotaellis5063]

Yeah I was just thinking how GC seems more seasoned (years of gambling?😂) than all of them except Ariel. Was shocked to hear he’s the newest member

[@thegreatnitchi5066]

@@b0nzik whaaat! Are you guys serious!! Bro has only been watching MMA for 2 years??!! That's INSANE if that's true bro! 🤯

[@Coco-hs9ex]

Oban Elliot what a guy and story GANGSTER

[@AndersonSilvaMMA]

Ariel saying that Ian did nothing wrong is just journalistically untrue and manipulative. He effectively affected Neil Magny's case

[@LJ-MMA]

Neil affected his case when he said himself he'll whoop him like he does his kid, those are his words, no wonder he's fighter for custody in the first place

[@ashervirin9698]

Classic Ariel glazing whoever’s in front of him on the screen, it’s not the first time he’s done this

[@FightSportTalk]

Ariel is always the biggest fanboy of anyone he interviews, to where he tries to speak for them to get them to say what he wants. And he always jumps on what ever hype train there is, to where he is their biggest supporter. That means they will come back on his show.

[@technodromen]

well journalistically Neil Magny said what he said. did Ian play it up. yes he did. but neal said it. so your comment is journalistically untrue and manipulative.

[@H4mmis]

Ian garry saying his win was clinical is actually kind of funny. He literally was on his back foot constantly... Far from clinical really.

[@H4mmis]

There was nothing clinical or dominant about that fight nor decision.

[@derrickc3173]

Just a super safe performance. Type of fight like that shouldn’t ever belong on a main card

[@user-lh3pd4jb8m]

right gives himself to much credit he needs to watch his fights back 💀

[@mikehawk4455]

Merab has really grown on me. Wish him the best

[@konflict1231]

In the attempt to capture the 2nd belt, he lost both of them. Respect to Volk

[@jayluck8054]

no, he lost his belt because illia knocked him out

[@BigMikeDaGr8]

Ariel's Family on the show was AWESOME!!!!

[@iztv3515]

What a beautiful family Ariel! Kol ha kavod. First time seeing GC and Rick’s faces as well.

[@RockNRoIIa_]

The Fortnite question to his son got me 😭

[@matthewfletcher2574]

Lol ariel said Garry hasn't done anything to offend anyone is crazzzy

[@badmoonrizin4545]

He perfect apparently lol no reason to think why ppl don't like him is laughable

[@g-mak6944]

Beautiful family

[@atarumoroboshi9957]

Congratulations to Ilia!

[@TheLucieFurr]

thanks Bro

[@atarumoroboshi9957]

​@@Seanstricklandforprimemister No, but still happy for him

[@mitweakz866]

Chael Vs Tito 2 is what we need at UFC 300 , let's be honest, sounds crazy.... but its saving the night

[@jordanhoyt8361]

Tito tapped

[@mitweakz866]

@@jordanhoyt8361 FACTS !!

[@montyrayza7220]

@@jordanhoyt8361 he did no question.

[@Mr.never_use_a_coupon]

Nice family bro 🥰

[@RebelMusic4Rebels]

One of the best feel hella good mma show! Everybody had a great energy and meeting the family topped it off!! Great great show today brother!!

[@trevorconstantine248]

Why does it feel like Ian Garry is gonna become someone's highlight reel real soon and it will be replayed over an over an over lol

[@badmoonrizin4545]

Lol I can see this happening soon

[@Investing-qg7xo]

Not sure where Colby head is at, but I think Ian is delusional about thinking he’d smash him. It we get the Colby who faught Jorge he’s going to get mauled on the ground.

[@emlabc17]

Awesome show, guys 💯💯🙏

[@carlagallagher3662]

Great show as always. Love that the family came to visit. Wholesome stuff. Rooting for Oban, what a guy.

[@headyhead3874]

Max is on a legacy venture. Should know that by now

[@paulpeca5912]

Ariel "Have you been told if you win you're next in line for a title shot?" Helwani

[@Hellkite-er5pg]

22:30 to hear Ariel's thoughts on Merab Dvalishvili.

[@TEZEM0N]

ariel is definitely the nerdy and loving dad lmao

[@noelperies8406]

Merab such a lovely guy/absolute killer. Great back story and wish him all the best.

[@noelperies8406]

Great episode guys, lovely seeing Oban Elliot achieving his dreams

[@Robheinn]

Like if you skipped Machado interview

[@Jackssw]

Yeah he’s a tool 😂

[@kbb_bbk]

God I love this show lol never miss an ep. Happy to see the fam make an appearance!! Let’s have Eric’s fam pop in next!

[@Sir1626]

Volk isn't taking that punch that KO'd him with a year's rest

[@badmoonrizin4545]

I agree..I don't think recent ko loss has much to do with it

[@mls01981]

Came just to see the Helwani family -- and a handsome family indeed! Claire is adorable and a perfect blend of mom and dad.

[@windytv7511]

Was worried for Merab he looked so bad during his weightcut but a lotta hydration goes well

[@MufcGgmu38]

2:11:00 Ariel’s like consider it done but didn’t do it lol

[@spaffron4285]

Ian fake human Garry saying he is just being himself is top shelf comedy

[@CoopsMMAPOV]

Hell ya family in the house

[@thomasmcgregor1363]

Hill vs Pereira might be one of the most anticipated matchups of the year what are you talking about.

[@spaffron4285]

Knowing Jamahal will almost certainly not be 100% hurts a bit but it's a great fight and I hope he is healthy

[@lazerbright800]

Ariel you are truly blessed brother, your wife is 10/10 your kids are beatiful and you do what you love as a job. Truly amazing. never let the haters tell you otherwise. blessings fam

[@marcowilzen7358]

Merab is the man!

[@stoakcity]

Merab’s redemption arch is well underway 📈

[@mathmatics8034]

Merab loving the American flag with your flag. Wish more Americans flew our flag and we greatly appreciate you for it. Well wishes my man and all the best

[@a9029k]

O'Malley having the Mexican flag instead of the American flag on his belt is so unbelievably cringe.

[@VinxKerny]

It’s actually the irish flag lmao

[@a9029k]

@@VinxKernyno it isn't. There's no red in the Irish flag.

[@VinxKerny]

@@a9029k there’s no red in the flag he showed either

[@a9029k]

@@VinxKernywell there's definitely no orange. And I'm pretty sure there's no eagle on the Irish flag..

[@VinxKerny]

@@a9029k if you say so buddy

[@MainCardMinute]

Merab is the GOAT

[@jerryreynolds3581]

Great to see the family Ariel 😊

[@gambleezzzy916]

The last part with your kids legit made this one of my favorite episodes that was awesome helwani your a good dad

[@windytv7511]

Didn’t put sugar shop in the description Ariel that’s crazy

[@RicardoDiaz21129]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@tiddybagel]

So kumshot turned down a title fight with Leon? Hasnt he been crying about a title shot he hasnt earned?

[@lurk7411]

Probably due to Ramadan

[@MufcGgmu38]

3:30:20 cheek nugget for waiting right till the end

[@jordantheuser]

Merab already a legend

[@windowlizard]

VOKE Beautiful fam Ariel, nice to see them 🤙

[@mathmatics8034]

Told suga you would post his website for merch and did not see it. Seems would keep word when he always stops in and speaks with u. well wishes

[@consciouslykonnected]

I can’t imagine Ilia wanting to fight Sean anytime soon…

[@elchingon6020]

MMA guru owns you

[@marcernest3165]

Love the kids lol they're so polite and chill. All of them are adorable. That older boy is something!

[@ShMorpheus]

Love Oban

[@tenacminotauro9541]

Ariel hating on the 300 main event cuz he knows Hill won't go his show to promote it. 😂

[@user-ff5yt5dy2h]

Yeah and also because... it's a bummer to see Hill main eventing UFC 300, isnt it?

[@anasibndawood6696]

No it’s because it’s a wack card

[@ssj4goku18825theepic]

The card is good but the main event isn’t worthy for 300 as the headliner. It’s basically like watching Mallorca vs PSV in the champions league finals or Pascal Siakam and nikola jokic 1v1 each other in a huge basketball game

[@goby3807]

That's kinda true, but it really is a disappointing main event tho lol

[@SparkyTakedown]

Ian Machado Garry watching BBC 👀 😂😂

[@user-lr6iu8xu9i]

i think that is wednesdays. his wifes friend comes over for 'yoga'

[@SparkyTakedown]

Ahh yes

[@Mieqo]

1:38:14 to 1:38:26 ... 12 seconds of Merab physicaly unable to give himself a compliment

[@Rudycota]

(GC), Drop the “We’ll be there” fight night merch 😅

[@MrCeezh]

“ how long you been back there watching MY show” Heelwani

[@Rudycota]

The Helwani squad is undoubtedly an A++ family squad.

[@ruanoosthuysen5002]

Arial 'you cover the speaker' Arial also not the brightest out there😂

[@MrScroopyNoop]

Conspiracy theory, Joe & Mysterious Frank are the same person.

[@TenggisKhan]

Oban is good fun. At some point we’re gonna need to not watch him not lost for words the whole time though

[@arnaldorivera7031]

Oban is so easy to like

[@filipesurvival2686]

😂🤦‍♂️ every time Ariel said “Barnabyu”

[@therealseanstrickland6101]

A lot of y’all who said Ariel was delusional about the Leon Edward’s vs khamzat match yall should be apologizing to The Nose.

[@yukinakai4683]

oban elliot is a gangster,great guy

[@georgefraser1137]

Merabs nose is wild

[@JustBleed91]

Ariel just love u for georgian flag such a legend u are you

[@chila98]

Why does Ariel just disregard the fact max wants to be on 300?

[@tuffneggah]

cuz he joo bro

[@williamboyle8918]

The fight was made for 300 content. Backfiring

[@williamboyle8918]

Justin vs. MAX ? Never understood this one. UFC 300 early pressure I guess.

[@disismeman]

The comment section of this show is always pleasant for the first few hours. Then the trolls drop in after 24 hours or so.

[@kavehrooney]

Why no subtitles ?

[@rconn4501]

Mr. Machado should def have to fight Burns before being bumped ahead of him (if he fought Colby)!

[@buckminsterfullerene2149]

O'Malley(douche 1) and Machado(douche 2) on the same show...man, I must have pissed someone off lol

[@goofyendo01]

299: Leon vs Belal 300: Suga vs Vera 301: Alex vs Hill

[@alcapone9402]

Love the fam moment at the end . Wish the best ariel ! 🙏🫡

[@steven3hunnid446]

🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸

[@Hi-zd5zd]

Love or hate Garry he’s a great fighter he’s gonna be hard to beat

[@Sir-Drago]

I’m a Garry fan but “hard to beat” is a stretch.. nobody has really tried to WRESTLE him yet, and when they do he’ll probably lose that fight.. but on the feet I got him beating whoever

[@P4nopticon]

The fight with Neil showed how average he is. He's getting bashed as soon as he fights a top ranked fighter. He also has the worst personality of any fighter ever.

[@PAWGmoth]

I’m turning into a fan of his I think. He has such a douchey voice and face and it’s hard to look past that lol, but he’s such a smart fighter. Using that handball example was such a perfect analogy to how he controlled his last fight. I love watching fighters that you can tell are thinking about the sport in a really advanced level. The difference in his gameplan between magny & Geoff was so cool to watch. It’s almost impossible for me to dislike him at this point

[@PAWGmoth]

@@Sir-Drago people said the same thing about izzy on his come up. After watching Ian win clinch battles against magny & Geoff, I’m not convinced anyone can impose their wrestling style on him. But like you said, we haven’t really seen it yet bcz neither of those guys are truly looking to get him down. Would love to see him fight an elite grappler next

[@tuffneggah]

even brady smokes him. neal is his peak

[@IgotTigersblood]

Omg Ian Garry doesn't have much likability at all! He'll always be a heel no matter what he tries to do...

[@ColinZimmerman]

I believe "Gringo Papi" is the proper term for what Sean is.

[@ThugNastyGaming]

Those "yeah" from the kids meant they do not find dad cool lol

[@CombatSports01]

2:23:38 Sean 3:02:20 Oban 3:22:37 shy

[@badmoonrizin4545]

Not sure what stamps those are but the interviews start earlier than your time stamps

[@healthwithmarcus]

You said you don't know why Hill doesn't like you. If I remember correctly, you belittled his internal experience when he became champ. Why would someone want to be cool with someone who would do that?

[@healthwithmarcus]

@@Seanstricklandforprimemister Chama

[@a9029k]

Don't forget he also accused him of supporting violence against women lol

[@fengshuimma9160]

I've watched his show for a long time, and what I learned is that he loves to jab people, but plays the "who me? What do you mean?" when called out. Own it or don't do it.

[@ssj4goku18825theepic]

@@a9029kbecause Ariel internally hates Dana so he automatically assumes hill was a shill for him which was wrong on Ariel part plus it’s not like Dana wife wasn’t the one who didn’t instigate first 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@RustyCohle]

Ariel knows exactly why Hill dislikes him.

[@reekhavoc2932]

"Who was tougher for you? Geoff or neal?...................magny." - ariel 🇮🇱

[@diederikjournee5580]

Hey Ariel, I normally never react at your (great) posts and do not want to interupt with your fantastic posts and analysis. As I watch and enjoy all of them from Holland. But can I give a suggestion? I ran into great posts of an (ex-) female fighter (boxer): HamaguchiFightMMA. She is so knowledgeable and gives unique analysis to fights I did watch but not the way she does. She is probably more humble then she should be. It would be so good if you at least contact her to see if you have the same opinion as I have. And maybe once in future give her the platform she deserves. Just want to share this with you, hope you at least take my advice sort of seriously. Keep up the good work!

[@RealMattKiefer]

Damn I think Suga might actually be nervous to face Merab 😮

[@jaseallenson316]

Of course. He was nervous to face aljo. All fighters have nerves before a fight. If they dont, they arent alive.

[@jaseallenson316]

And topuria and cory are just as tough fights. At least with merab he doesnt have to worry about getting finished.

[@TyrantOFynder]

Damn Ariel has some handsome kids. Heartwarming.

[@jonathonbennett8352]

Suga show 💜

[@JustBleed91]

Ariel thank you for a flag such a legend u are you

[@jsmith1899]

I'm not really a Merab fan or Sean fan, but Merab is next it's clear cut. By what Sean O'malley was saying he is trying to avoid him, I hope that's not the case.

[@faisalsaeed1082]

2:13:00 😂😂😂😂

[@abecsteve]

i'm sure when Dana said those comments on Jan26th he thought he was on the verge of locking in crazy 300 main event. unfortunately it turns out things changed.

[@badmoonrizin4545]

True but it could have been presented better than an ig post imo..would have gained better and more positive interest imo

[@abecsteve]

Yea for sure, what ariel touched on with the little size up after the glover fight could have made a sick intro to an announcement clip

[@badmoonrizin4545]

​@@abecsteveindeed even tho I'm excited for the fight ..a cool promo presentation would have gotten me more excited too

[@CaseyKCRichards]

If Volk who goal was to avoid ilia power punching he would have perhaps being more successful. All he had to do was follow Ian’s plan to a t-ee.

[@Slashkarlyy123]

I was in attendance on Saturday and thoroughly thought Neal won. I think everyone in the crowd thought so as well. I need to rewatch on tv.

[@Slashkarlyy123]

Also, the Georgia love was insaaaane. There were so many cars rolling into the parking lot with the flags 🇬🇪 and walking out of the arena, there was a big Georgia dance circle with music blasting. It was a whole vibe.

[@tuffneggah]

hope u let dana knut

[@williamboyle8918]

Yeah rewatch. I wish Neal won too. Ian got it

[@benvernonvernon3280]

Neal didn't win not even close..... Ian didn't do anything impressive but he def out striked him and didn't get taken down so it's that simple

[@JDP000109]

⁠@@benvernonvernon3280yeah idk how that decision is questionable, Neal did next to nothing lol

[@alexsemusic]

Ariel thinking Connor "wants to fight" is funny and dumb AF!!!

[@DiceyDayz]

Ians Wife incurred caviats. Ariel doth thou Oracle .. of Delphi. 🎼