UFC Board Reveals Possible Blockbuster Fights On The Horizon

Several high-profile matchups may have just been inadvertently leaked by the UFC when their matchmaking board revealed the promotion’s plans for the months ahead. During an episode of The Pivot Podcast, hosted by Channing Crowder, Fred Taylor & DC & RC co-host Ryan Clark, fans caught a rare glimpse of the confidential UFC board when Dana…

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Several high-profile matchups may have just been inadvertently leaked by the UFC when their matchmaking board revealed the promotion’s plans for the months ahead.

During an episode of The Pivot Podcast, hosted by Channing Crowder, Fred Taylor & DC & RC co-host Ryan Clark, fans caught a rare glimpse of the confidential UFC board when Dana White made his arrival to the executive boardroom. The board has frequently been referenced by White in interviews as he looks up reflectively at the board, which is usually out of the audience’s view.

That all changed Tuesday. Based on the matches listed on the board, here are some of the fights the UFC currently has mapped out for the months ahead:

UFC 276: July 2, 2022

Israel Adesanya vs. Jared Cannonier

Jared Cannonier, Israel Adesanya
Jared Cannonier, Israel Adesanya

Adesanya vs. Cannonier has already been widely expected when looking at the current middleweight landscape. Cannonier defeated Brunson at UFC 271 in February in what was widely considered to be a #1-contender’s bout.

There is currently no word on any potential roadblocks from making the July 2 date materialize.

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nate Diaz

Khamzat Chimaev Nate Diaz
Photos via Twitter @kchimaev & Instagram @natediaz209

Diaz has been lobbying for a fight for several weeks now to close out his current UFC deal. Diaz’s frustrations have even led him to publicly request his release. The UFC had reportedly offered Diaz a fight against Chimaev in the past, but Diaz rejected the fight.

If this board is up to date, this means the UFC has not given up on a potential Chimaev/Diaz clash as the final fight on Diaz’s current deal.

Sean O’Malley vs. Petro Munhoz

Sean O Malley
Sean O’Malley (Image Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

In March, O’Malley name-dropped Munhoz as a potential opponent. Both men are currently unbooked.

Robbie Lawler vs. Bryan Barberena (Confirmed)

Bryan Barberena has confirmed that this fight has been agreed to for the July 2 date.

UFC Fight Night: July 9, 2022

Thiago Santos vs. Jamahal Hill

Both men are ranked within the top 10. Santos is ranked #6, and Jamahal Hill is ranked #10. Neither man is currently booked.

UFC London: July 23, 2022

Paddy Pimblett vs. Ottman Azaitar

Paddy Pimblett
The London Press

The UFC recently announced its return to London for July 23 in a card headlined by Curtis Blaydes and UK’s own Tom Aspinall. Pimblett appeared on the last UFC London card on March 19, picking up a submission victory over Kazula Vargas.

Azaitar currently has a professional record of 13-0, most recently defeating Kharma Worthy via TKO last September.

UFC 277: July 30, 2022

Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic

Jon Jones Stipe Miocic
Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic

A fight between Jones and Miocic has been rumored for months, and UFC President Dana White has directly stated that the fight makes sense.

Of note, however, is Jon Jones’ recent claim that Miocic has requested the fight be pushed back to September and “Bones” stating he would be happy to oblige so that Miocic has “no excuses.” Thus, it is unclear if the fight is still currently planned for July or if the board is yet to reflect these latest developments.

Anthony Smith vs. Magomed Ankalaev

Anthony Smith, Magomed Ankalaev
Anthony Smith, Magomed Ankalaev (Image Credits: Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News & Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC)

Last month, Anthony Smith expressed a willingness to face Ankalaev, even stating that the Russian is not the “boogeyman” he is being made out to be. Both fighters are currently ranked in the top 5 at light heavyweight, with Ankalev at #4 and Smith at #5.

MMA News will keep you posted on all the latest developments regarding each of the above blockbuster fights! So be sure to keep it locked right here on MMANews.com, a leading source for MMA News since 2002!

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Masvidal Names The Biggest Concern About Sean O’Malley’s Potential

UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal is not all in on the ‘Suga Show,’ as he has some reservations about Sean O’Malley’s potential. O’Malley has slowly started to gain some real momentum in the bantamweight division as he now looks to add ranked opposition to his résumé. The 27-year-old is currently placed #13 in the UFC’s bantamweight…

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UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal is not all in on the ‘Suga Show,’ as he has some reservations about Sean O’Malley’s potential.

O’Malley has slowly started to gain some real momentum in the bantamweight division as he now looks to add ranked opposition to his résumé. The 27-year-old is currently placed #13 in the UFC’s bantamweight rankings and a top ten opponent may well be next for “Sugar.”

The American remains one of the hottest prospects inside the UFC despite having suffered his first professional loss fairly early in his UFC career. O’Malley was left stunned at UFC 252 when he was defeated for the first time in his career as a significant favorite.

Sean O Malley
Sean O’Malley (Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa)

Marlon Vera appeared to have highlighted some flaws in the game of the prospect. ‘Chito’ heavily targeted the legs of O’Malley that night, leading to a TKO victory for Vera.

O’Malley’s leg was also compromised during his UFC 222 victory over Andre Soukhamthath, with the rising star stretchered out of the arena after that fight also, though he was fortunate enough to eke out the victory that time.

With these instances in mind, Masvidal told the IMPAULSIVE podcast what he sees as O’Malley’s best traits as well as what may be the fighter’s downfall when it comes to future fights.

“I think he’s good, great athlete,” said Masvidal. “I did see him when he fought Chito Vera, which is another guy that I love a lot, good friend of mine, he got hurt, and then he couldn’t continue right. So going forth is he like a little fragile or something? Not like mentally maybe, but like physically, is he like not as sturdy as everybody else? That’s something you have to got to wonder, right?

“As far as like an athlete and talent goes, the kid has it, man. He’s got good timing, great distance, good speed and he’s f***ing huge for the weight class. I remember when I first saw him I was like, ‘There’s no way this guy’s making 135.’ He makes it easy from what I hear. Massive for the weight.”

It’s clear Masvidal is impressed with what O’Malley brings to the bantamweight division. Yet he’s also unsure of whether O’Malley’s body is able to withstand the hype and potential heaped upon it.

Do you think Sean O’Malley is “fragile”?

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Sean O’Malley Lays Out When & How He’ll Earn A UFC Title Shot

Rising UFC bantamweight star Sean O’Malley has provided an update on his plans for 2022, and revealed where he hopes his results this year will leave him in the division. Having suffered his first professional loss in 2020, O’Malley returned to form with a bang last year, securing a place in the rankings and status…

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Rising UFC bantamweight star Sean O’Malley has provided an update on his plans for 2022, and revealed where he hopes his results this year will leave him in the division.

Having suffered his first professional loss in 2020, O’Malley returned to form with a bang last year, securing a place in the rankings and status of a contender with a trio of finishes, each of which brought him a handsome $50,000 bonus.

Having brutally knocked out Thomas Almeida in March and put on a record-breaking striking display against Kris Moutinho in July, “Sugar” capped off his year with a first-round KO of formerly-ranked bantamweight Raulian Paiva.

Having placed himself nicely at #13 on the bantamweight ladder, O’Malley was expected to have a crucial year in 2022, one that would define his credentials among the elite at 135 pounds.

While his appearances in the coming months have the same key stakes attached to them, they’re perhaps coming later in the year than O’Malley would have liked, with a thumb injury sustained at UFC 269 keeping him on the sidelines.

Now, O’Malley is preparing for his return, and has laid out his Octagon plans for 2022 and beyond.

Sean O’Malley Lays Out The Stops On His Train To Gold

During a recent interview with Helen Yee, O’Malley, who boasts a 15-1 record in MMA, confirmed his intention to make the walk two times this year, potentially starting with an appearance on what is expected to be a stacked International Fight Week pay-per-view card on July 2.

“If I had to guess (for 2022 fights), I’d say July and December, those two. I’d like to fight twice this year. July is about 12 weeks out. So probably, you know, start looking to get something booked for July. I think July 2 is International Fight Week… I’ll probably end up on that card, if I had to guess.”

During another conversation with The Schmo, O’Malley gave a short and sweet plan, laying out the stops he’s anticipating on his journey to the top of the division.

“A clean knockout in July, a clean knockout in December, a title shot next year.”

O’Malley went on to reiterate that his preferred opponent would be #9-ranked contender Pedro Munhoz, who is coming off a loss to Dominick Cruz at UFC 269.

While a date and opponent is yet to be confirmed for O’Malley’s return, it shouldn’t be long until more information comes to light, especially if “Sugar” is to enter the Octagon in July.

Who would you like to see Sean O’Malley face when he returns to the Octagon later this year?

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Sean O’Malley, Henry Cejudo Offer To Corner Petr Yan At UFC 273

Petr YanFormer two-weight UFC champion, Henry Cejudo, and streaking bantamweight contender, Sean O’Malley have both offered to serve as cornermen for interim division champion, Petr Yan at UFC 273 – as the Dudinka native faces potential issues assembling a corner for the April 9. event.  Slated to co-headline UFC 273 next month in a championship title […]

Petr Yan

Former two-weight UFC champion, Henry Cejudo, and streaking bantamweight contender, Sean O’Malley have both offered to serve as cornermen for interim division champion, Petr Yan at UFC 273 – as the Dudinka native faces potential issues assembling a corner for the April 9. event. 

Slated to co-headline UFC 273 next month in a championship title unification bout against former-foe, Aljamain Sterling, reports emerged from TASS yesterday, detailing how members of Yan’s corner for the event had been denied VISAS to travel to the United States, but are set to reapply

With the situation regarding Yan’s corner for the event currently fluid, TASS reporter, Igor Lazorin suggested prominent mixed martial arts coach and former undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov would step in and corner his compatriot, Yan at the event. 

Petr Yan landed the vacant bantamweight title back in July 2020 with a win over Jose Aldo

While Khabib has yet to offer his services, both the aforenoted, O’Malley and Cejudo have offered to make an impromptu corner for Yan at UFC 273 in his title unification rematch with Sterling. 

“Petr (Yan), heard you need a corner, bro,” Sean O’Malley posted. “Let me know, I’ll be in (Las) Vegas – or wherever the f*ck your fight is. Let me know and I can corner you baby, one-two, one-two.” 

“One corner spot is taken by @SugaSeanMMA (Sean O’Malley) (dog emoji),” Petr Yan tweeted.

Replying to a tweet from Petr Yan questioning what his plans were for April 9. – Cejudo claimed that he would corner Yan if he gave him a “booster seat”.

“Ger me a booster seat and I’ll work your corner… you kneed (sic) me. #andnew (Russian flag emoji),” Henry Cejudo tweeted in response to Petr Yan.

In his first matchup with Sterling back in March of last year, Yan suffered his first promotional loss in the form of a fourth round disqualification after he landed a knee to a grounded Sterling – resulting in a title loss.

Returning back in October of last year at UFC 267 on ‘Fight Island’, Yan clinched the interim bantamweight title with a unanimous decision victory against Cory Sandhagen. 

Sean O’Malley Hopes To Return At UFC 274, Names Top-10 Opponent

UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley has revealed an event and opponent he’s targeting for his first Octagon appearance of 2022. After suffering his first defeat in 2020, O’Malley made a splash last year, finishing all three of his opponents and collecting a trio of $50,000 bonuses along the way. Having secured a place in the rankings…

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UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley has revealed an event and opponent he’s targeting for his first Octagon appearance of 2022.

After suffering his first defeat in 2020, O’Malley made a splash last year, finishing all three of his opponents and collecting a trio of $50,000 bonuses along the way. Having secured a place in the rankings with his first-round victory over Raulian Paiva in December, it appeared 2022 was set to be a big one for “Sugar.”

But while he’d hoped to continue his form and surge up the 135-pound ladder this year, a thumb injury, coupled with a desire to fight at a Las Vegas-held pay-per-view, led fans to believe O’Malley wouldn’t be sighted inside the Octagon until the summer.

Now, during a Monday stream on his Twitch channel, O’Malley has provided an update on his return timeline, and it’s perhaps earlier than most would’ve expected.

Potentially giving up his nine-fight Las Vegas streak, the 26-year-old hinted that his first bout of 2022 could come at UFC 274, which is set to be held on May 7 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Interestingly, the last time O’Malley fought outside of Nevada was five years ago in Phoenix. On that night, he knocked out David Luzzo at LFA 11. He’ll be hoping for a similar result on his return to the city, but if his hopes come to fruition, he’ll be facing his toughest opponent to date, by far.

When asked if he has a name in mind for the event, O’Malley revealed he’s targeting a clash with veteran Brazilian Pedro Munhoz, who is currently ranked three places above the Montana native at #9.

“I’m thinking Pedro (Munhoz) but we will see. I’m going to make sure I can f*****g train full time and my f*****g s**t feels good,” said O’Malley. (h/t BJPenn.com)

UFC 274 Set To Be Headlined By LW Title Fight

If a bout between O’Malley and Munhoz is added to the May 7 event, the card will grow in strength.

After a light heavyweight title matchup between Glover Teixeira and Ji?í Procházka was pushed back to headline UFC 275, a blockbuster lightweight championship fight between reigning 155-pound king Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje is now set to main event in Arizona.

Elsewhere, UFC mainstays Shogun Rua, Ovince Saint Preux, and Donald Cerrone are expected to be in action, along with exciting names like Brandon Royval, Khaos Williams, and Michael Johnson.

While more fights will undoubtedly be announced over the coming weeks and months, fans will certainly now be keeping an eye out for the addition of “Sugar” Sean O’Malley to the PPV.

Would you like to see Sean O’Malley vs. Pedro Munhoz added to the UFC 274 card?

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Sean O’Malley Next Fight: Potential Opponents, Timeline

Sean O’Malley’s next fight remains a hot topic of conversation in the MMA world. “Sugar” Sean O’ Malley hopes to continue his three fight win streak in his next fight. UFC fans are still excited to see what’s next for O’Malley after his win against Raulian Paiva at UFC 269 on Dec. 11, 2021.  O’Malley…

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Sean O’Malley’s next fight remains a hot topic of conversation in the MMA world.

“Sugar” Sean O’ Malley hopes to continue his three fight win streak in his next fight. UFC fans are still excited to see what’s next for O’Malley after his win against Raulian Paiva at UFC 269 on Dec. 11, 2021. 

O’Malley picked up a decisive victory after landing a barrage of strikes to get the 1st round TKO.  In doing so, he improved his record to 15-1. It also earned O’ Malley 12th place in the UFC Bantamweight division.

Before UFC 269, UFC President Dana White said Sean O’Malley isn’t ready to face top opponents. Afterwards, he was singing a different tune.

Potential Opponents

As Sean O’Malley climbs the UFC Bantamweight ranks, the attention turns to what’s next for him. The UFC has not yet announced Sean O’Malley’s next opponent, but we can take a look at who are the likely possibilities:

  • Ricky Simon is ranked 13th in the bantamweight division. However, he boasts more-recent impressive wins than Sugar. He defeated Raphael Assuncao at UFC Vegas 45 by 2nd round TKO. A win for either Simon or O’Malley could potentially lead to a fight against an opponent ranked higher than them.
  • Frankie Edgar is a good test for O’ Malley to fight a former UFC champion. The UFC likes to put younger talent against veterans.  Edgar is hoping to rebound from a two fight knockout losing streak.  A potentially win over Edgar, could add an impressive name to O’ Malley’s record.
  • Raphael Assuncao is falling down the UFC bantamweight rankings with three straight losses. However, he is still ranked 15th in the division and has fought some of the best bantamweights in the company. His employers could try to test O’Malley’s skills against a veteran that seems to be on the decline.
  • Pedro Munhoz hopes to get back into the win column after decision  losses to Dominick Cruz at UFC 269 and Jose Aldo at UFC 265 on Aug. 7, 2021. He is ranked 9th in the division, despite a 2-fight losing streak. While Munhoz is trying to rebound for his failure, O’Malley could attempt to challenge for his position in the division. 

When will Sean O’Malley Fight Next?

Although, he soundly defeated Paiva at UFC 269, fans will have to wait to see O’Malley’s next fight. After the fight, the medical suspension revealed that he is dealing with a hand injury that may keep him from fighting until June. 

The UFC could also wait until July for International Fight Week to book Sean O’Malley’s next fight. 

O’Malley has his sights set on the UFC Bantamweight Championship, currently held by Aljamain Sterling. The Funk Master defends the gold against Petr Yan at UFC 273 on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

Sean O’Malley isn’t in line for a title shot just yet. He’ll likely have to pick up a couple more wins before he’s considered a top bantamweight contender.

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