Tag: Sean O’Malley

Sean O’Malley Lays Out Potential Path To a Title Shot

Rising UFC bantamweight star Sean O’Malley has laid out a potential path he could take to the title in a stacked 135-pound division.

Whichever path he goes down, it must start this weekend when he enters the Octagon for the third time in 2021. Foll…

Sean O'Malley

Rising UFC bantamweight star Sean O’Malley has laid out a potential path he could take to the title in a stacked 135-pound division.

Whichever path he goes down, it must start this weekend when he enters the Octagon for the third time in 2021. Following a brutal knockout against Thomas Almeida, which served as a rebound from O’Malley’s first professional loss at the hands of Marlon Vera in the previous year, “Sugar” delivered a record-breaking striking masterclass four months later against Kris Moutinho.

O’Malley will look to extend is win streak to three when he faces the formerly-ranked Raulian Paiva in the UFC 269 main card opener on Saturday night. Despite being a sizable underdog, the Brazilian has won his last three contests, and certainly should present a tougher test for O’Malley than his previous two foes.

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O’Malley Thinks He Could Be Fighting For The Title In 4 Fights

Despite still being young and at the start of his career, a large potion of the MMA community continue to criticize O’Malley for the opponents he faces, who have all been unranked thus far. But “Sugar” doesn’t think that’s a line of argument fans and pundits will be able to use for long. That’s because he believes he could be fighting towards the top of the division in the next three to four bouts.

During a recent sit-down interview with Michael Bisping for BT Sport, O’Malley was asked whether he can foresee a certain path to the bantamweight gold. Despite discussing the ever-changing landscape and unpredictability of fighting, the Montana native did lay out one potential route to the title, one that wold have to go through a Brazilian underdog, a rising striking phenom, and a top-five contender.

“I don’t really have a timeframe. I don’t have a specific date that I would like it to happen… Fighting’s the craziest sport in the world. I didn’t plan on breaking my foot against Andre Soukhamthath and being out for as long as I was, I didn’t plan on Chito kicking my nerve and then the fight going that way, so it’s hard for me to plan out what’s happening next. But I wouldn’t be surprised if I go out there, knock Paiva out, if I get the Yanez fight, I go out there and knock Yanez out, that could lead up to a Rob Font fight, knock Rob Font out, that could lead to a title shot, who knows? I don’t know how it’s gonna play out.”

Of course, to put that plan into motion in 2022, O’Malley will have to put on a show against Paiva this weekend. The Brazilian described the 27-year-old as a “clown” at Thursday’s press conference, and fancies his chances of producing an upset on December 11.

Do you think Sean O’Malley can make it to a title shot with wins over Raulian Paiva, Adrian Yanez, and Rob Font?

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley Lays Out Potential Path To a Title Shot at MMA News.

Dana White: Sean O’Malley Is Not Like Khamzat Chimaev, He’s Not Ready For Ranked Opponents

Dana White has claimed that Sean O’Malley is not ready to face ranked opposition. ‘Suga’ is the most talked-about unranked fighter going today and for good reason. His style and swagger inside and out of the octagon is something that reminds a lot of fans and pundits about one particular fighter from Ireland. As the […]

Dana White has claimed that Sean O’Malley is not ready to face ranked opposition.

‘Suga’ is the most talked-about unranked fighter going today and for good reason. His style and swagger inside and out of the octagon is something that reminds a lot of fans and pundits about one particular fighter from Ireland. As the Suga Show’s star rises faster and faster, however, people question his unwillingness to take on a ranked opponent.

O’Malley has explained in the past why his current contract situation doesn’t make sense for him to take on tougher ranked and more high level opponents in the octagon, something that most fighters and fans would probably agree with at the end of the day, especially for someone with as big a brand as O’Malley has. While O’Malley’s opponent tomorrow night is the 21-3 Bantamweight Raulian Paiva, his detractors have pointed to Dominik Cruz and Cody Garbrandt as both ranked contenders that were willing to take on the Suga Show.

When Dana White talked to Robbie Fox of Barstool Sports this week, he explained why someone like O’Malley isn’t ready for the top-ranked fighters compared to someone like Khamzat Chimaev.

“He’s not ready,” White told Barstool Sports. “You guys wanna throw him to the wolves. You don’t move somebody that fast unless they’re Khamzat Chimaev. Khamzat is a guy you’ll feel comfortable moving that fast. I mean, O’Malley just lost a couple of fights ago to (Marlon Vera). So, talking about bigger fights and all that sh*t, this is a tough fight for him on Saturday night. In his last fight, he looked incredible, he put on a clinic. I think because O’Malley’s so popular and whatever, you’re always gonna have the critics that give this kid sh*t.”

Dana White Is Happy To Take Things Slow With Sean O’Malley

Dana’s explanation makes perfect sense for people that pay attention to the sport. While O’Malley’s star is red hot and getting hotter by the day, it wouldn’t be right to throw him in there right now with the likes of Petr Yan, Cory Sandhagan and Jose Aldo.

“He’s a tough kid, he’s fun, he’s exciting to watch,” White said. “But he’s making his way the way you’re supposed to. You don’t just turn O’Malley around and throw him in there against killers. That’s not how it works.” (Transcribed by MMA Fighting)

As we know, however, everything can change for O’Malley with another spectacular performance to kick off the UFC 269 Main Card tomorrow night in the T-Mobile Arena.

Do you agree with Dana White’s assessment of Sean O’Malley?

Dana White: Sean O’Malley Isn’t Ready To Face Top Opponents

UFC President Dana White says Sean O’Malley won’t fight top bantamweights until he’s ready, something he doesn’t believe “Sugar” is yet.

Despite being only four years into his career on MMA’s biggest stage, a period interrupted by a two-year absenc…

Dana White, Sean O'Malley

UFC President Dana White says Sean O’Malley won’t fight top bantamweights until he’s ready, something he doesn’t believe “Sugar” is yet.

Despite being only four years into his career on MMA’s biggest stage, a period interrupted by a two-year absence thanks to an injury and a USADA suspension, O’Malley has consistently been criticized by a portion of fans for not entering the Octagon with a ranked opponent.

After a highlight-reel knockout of Thomas Almeida in March and a record-breaking striking performance against Kris Moutinho in July, the 27-year-old looked set to fight his first top-15 name in the form of Raulian Paiva. However, the Brazilian’s time at the bottom-end of the rankings was short-lived.

Nevertheless, both men will look to jump onto the 135-pound ladder when they meet in this weekend’s UFC 269 main card opener.

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Dana White: O’Malley Isn’t like Chimaev

Despite falling to his first professional loss last year against Marlon “Chito” Vera, and only picking up victories against unranked opponents since, O’Malley hasn’t shied away from calling out high-level bantamweights. That includes Dominick Cruz and Pedro Munhoz, who will face each other below O’Malley on this weekend’s card, despite their places in the top 10.

Dana White believes it’s that level of attention and stardom that creates unreasonable expectations for O’Malley’s rise in the promotion. During a recent interview with Barstool Sports’ Robbie Fox, the 52-year-old denied that O’Malley’s apparent unwillingness to fight ranked opponents until he gets a better contract is the reason behind the foes he’s been matched up with in 2021.

White said that, unless your name is Khamzat Chimaev, fighters can’t move up the rankings as fast as fans expect O’Malley to. In the UFC President’s eyes, “Sugar” isn’t ready yet.

“It has nothing to do with his contract. I mean, he’s not ready. You guys wanna throw him to the wolves. You don’t move somebody that fast, unless they’re Khamzat Chimaev. Khamzat is a guy you feel comfortable moving that fast. I mean, O’Malley just lost a couple fights ago. Talking about bigger fights and all that shit, this is a tough fight for him on Saturday night.

“In his last fight he looked incredible, he put on a clinic. I think because O’Malley’s so popular and whatever, you’re always gonna have the critics that give this kid shit. He’s a tough kid, he’s fun, he’s exciting to watch, but he’s making his way, you know, the way you’re supposed to. You don’t just turn O’Malley around and throw him against killers. That’s not how it works.”

White’s latest comments go hand-in-hand with remarks O’Malley made at UFC 269 media day on Wednesday. The Montana native denied avoiding ranked opponents, and said he simply faces whoever the UFC offers him. If he had control of who he faces, O’Malley said he’d be fighting the likes of Cruz and Munhoz next.

While he’ll have to get past the tough test of the in-form Paiva instead, a big-name opponent could be waiting in the wings for O’Malley in 2022 if he’s victorious on Saturday night.

Who would you like to see Sean O’Malley fight in 2022 if he defeats Raulian Paiva at UFC 269 this Saturday?

Continue Reading Dana White: Sean O’Malley Isn’t Ready To Face Top Opponents at MMA News.

Sean O’Malley: I Don’t Think Marlon Vera Truly Believes He Beat Me

UFC bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley still considers himself undefeated in MMA ahead of his fight against Raulian Paiva at UFC 269.

O’Malley’s lone defeat in the UFC came courtesy of Marlon Vera at UFC 252. It was a controversial TKO finish in …

Sean O'Malley

UFC bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley still considers himself undefeated in MMA ahead of his fight against Raulian Paiva at UFC 269.

O’Malley’s lone defeat in the UFC came courtesy of Marlon Vera at UFC 252. It was a controversial TKO finish in which O’Malley suffered a nasty injury and ended up leaving the UFC Apex on a stretcher after injuring his leg.

During a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, O’Malley opened up on why he still considers himself undefeated despite the Vera loss.

“Yeah, I mean, that fight, I didn’t feel like I lost because his (Vera) skills were better,” O’Malley said. “I don’t think he truly, truly thinks he won that fight. The way that fight played out. it’s a rare occasion that that happens. Look at how many times I got kicked in the leg last fight against Kris (Moutinho), how many times I got kicked in the leg against Thomas (Almeida); you didn’t see my whole leg go completely numb from their toes or their shins.”

“It was a crazy thing that happened,” O’Malley continued. “I don’t feel like, mentally, I lost that fight. I go out there, have a rematch, and he beats me in a decision or finishes me fair and square, I have no issue saying I lost the fight. I lose in sparring, I lose in grappling. I’m not worried about losing. I just don’t feel like I lost that fight and a lot of people hate that I say that.”

Sean O’Malley Remains One Of The Top UFC Prospects

O’Malley has managed to rebound nicely from his loss to Vera, earning back-to-back finishes over Kris Moutinho and Thomas Almeida. His fight against Moutinho, in particular, opened many fans’ eyes as to how dominant O’Malley can be in the striking department.

Despite the strong start to O’Malley’s MMA career, he has yet to enter the UFC bantamweight rankings. This is mostly due to his level of competition to date, but that could change sooner rather than later.

O’Malley has recently called for a fight against Dominick Cruz next, as both get ready to compete on the same card. If he’s able to get past a tough Paiva at UFC 269, he could finally earn a spot in the stacked bantamweight rankings.

What are your thoughts on Sean O’Malley’s comments?

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley: I Don’t Think Marlon Vera Truly Believes He Beat Me at MMA News.

O’Malley: If I Picked My Opponents, I’d Be Facing A High-Ranked Name

Bantamweight star Sean O’Malley has disputed the idea that he chooses his fights and has been avoiding ranked opponents in the UFC.

Despite becoming one of the most recognizable names in MMA’s premier promotion, O’Malley is yet to enter the Octagon…

Sean O'Malley

Bantamweight star Sean O’Malley has disputed the idea that he chooses his fights and has been avoiding ranked opponents in the UFC.

Despite becoming one of the most recognizable names in MMA’s premier promotion, O’Malley is yet to enter the Octagon with a top-15 name. Since returning from a USADA suspension in 2020, which came after he built a 2-0 record in the UFC, “Sugar” has been impressive, albeit against opposition outside the rankings.

As well as highlight-reel knockouts of veteran Eddie Wineland and once highly-touted prospect Thomas Almeida, O’Malley has secured TKO wins against José Alberto Quiñónez and, most recently, Kris Mountinho. While a first-round loss to Marlon Vera last year briefly stalled his rise and blemished his record, O’Malley has re-railed his hype train in emphatic fashion since.

The 27-year-old will hope to record his third success of 2021 and move closer to the top of the division this weekend when he faces the formerly-ranked Raulian Paiva. The pair will open a stacked UFC 269 main card inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

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O’Malley Denies Avoiding Ranked Opponents

Despite his talent in the Octagon being clear, many have suggested Sean O’Malley’s true potential won’t be determined until he challenges a ranked opponent. “Sugar” made headlines earlier this year when he suggested he wouldn’t pursue a top-15 name until he moves onto a better UFC contract.

During an appearance at UFC 269 media day on Wednesday, O’Malley seemed to walk back those claims. Citing his callouts of former champion Dominick Cruz and Cody Garbrandt, and top-10 contender Pedro Munhoz, the Montana native disputed the narrative he’s avoiding ranked foes. He even suggested that if he had control over who he enters the cage with, he’d be facing a top contender next.

“I do remember saying that (I wouldn’t fight ranked opponents yet). I feel like that was quite a bit of fights ago that I wanted to make more when I fought. But I’ve also called out Cody Garbrandt, Pedro Munhoz, Dominick Cruz, I’ve called out the ranked guys. So it’s not necessarily I wanna get paid more to fight ranked guys. At this point, it’s just like, you know, I’ve called them out. I just haven’t got those fights. I don’t pick my fights, clearly. If I picked my fights, I’d be fighting one of those guys.

“They offered me Paiva, who was ranked #15, I didn’t know that at the time, until after I accepted and they said, ‘Oh, he’s ranked,’ and then couple days later he wasn’t. I think the idea that I just pick my fights is a little bit… it’s not exactly true. They offered me Paiva, I said, ‘Yes.’ Does that mean I pick my fights? I don’t know, I didn’t say, ‘Hey, I wanna fight Paiva.’ The whole , ‘I pick my fights and I’m not gonna fight someone tough until I get paid,’ is not necessarily true.”

Before turning his attention to a potential big-name opponent in 2022, O’Malley will first have to get past the challenge presented by the in-form Paiva. The Brazilian will carry a three-fight win streak into this weekend’s event, and will be looking to steal the show by upsetting the odds at the final pay-per-view of the year.

Who would you like to see Sean O’Malley face in 2022 if he defeats Raulian Paiva this weekend at UFC 269?

Continue Reading O’Malley: If I Picked My Opponents, I’d Be Facing A High-Ranked Name at MMA News.

O’Malley Was “100% Serious” About Facing Yan At UFC 267

UFC bantamweight star Sean O’Malley has confirmed he was “100% serious” when he expressed his willingness to face Petr Yan at UFC 267 in October.

The Abu Dhabi-held card’s co-main event was originally set to see 135-pound champion Aljamain Sterling…

Sean O'Malley, Petr Yan

UFC bantamweight star Sean O’Malley has confirmed he was “100% serious” when he expressed his willingness to face Petr Yan at UFC 267 in October.

The Abu Dhabi-held card’s co-main event was originally set to see 135-pound champion Aljamain Sterling run it back with Yan for his first title defense. However, after suffering from lingering issues in his neck as a result of the surgery he underwent earlier in the year, “Funk Master” was forced to withdraw a month out from the event.

After first-choice replacement Rob Font turned down the opportunity to fight for the interim title having only just recovered from a bout of COVID-19, the promotion turned to Cory Sandhagen. Despite coming off a loss against TJ Dillashaw, most accepted “The Sandman” as the right man to join Yan on Yas Island.

In a five-round war, Sandhagen fell short of having gold wrapped around his waist for the first time. Putting his boxing skills on display once again, Yan looked as good as ever and left the Octagon with the interim belt.

O’Malley: “I Looked At That Fight As A Win-Win”

Before Sandhagen’s place on the UFC 267 card was confirmed, one unlikely name staked his claim for interim championship shot. O’Malley, who’s yet to face a ranked fighter in the promotion, made his willingness to challenge “No Mercy” in Abu Dhabi known.

While Yan later branded it as attention seeking and Sandhagen suggested even O’Malley knew it was “ridiculous,” the 27-year-old has claimed his desire to face Yan at UFC 267 on short notice was completely genuine. During a recent appearance on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour, O’Malley explained why he had hoped to jump the queue for a shot at the interim strap.

“Oh 100% (serious). I would hate to take a short-notice fight, you know, I prefer not to, but I looked at that fight as a win-win. I’m always in somewhat decent shape, you know, you’re not always in fight shape but it was four or five weeks out, so I had time to get into pretty good shape. I was gonna go out there and give it my all for as long as I could. Losing to Petr Yan wouldn’t be that big of a loss. I think it’d make for even a better rematch after I would earn that back.

“But yeah, I was 100% serious. I know Cory was the front man, who I believe deserved the shot over me, but I didn’t know if, in that moment, he was healthy and able to. I know Rob Font had Covid. TJ (Dillashaw) was out. I would’ve 100% taken that fight if they’d offered me it.”

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With the UFC not needing his services on October 30, O’Malley turned his attention to a different opponent, one more suited to his current positioning on the bantamweight ladder. In the UFC 269 main card opener this Saturday, “Sugar” will face Raulian Paiva.

While the Brazilian is undoubtedly tough, as he showed in his last outing against Kyler Phillips, most expect O’Malley to record another victory and continue his path towards the top. Perhaps with a strong 2022, the rising star won’t be far from a clash with Yan.

How do you think Sean O’Malley would have fared against Petr Yan at UFC 267?

Continue Reading O’Malley Was “100% Serious” About Facing Yan At UFC 267 at MMA News.