Tag: Sean O’Malley

Khabib Names Who He’d Rather Umar Nurmagomedov Fight For The UFC Bantamweight Title Out Of Sean O’Malley & Merab Dvalishvili

After having his own run in the UFC as a dominant undefeated champion years ago, Khabib Nurmagomedov is now helping to mentor others toward their own reigns. Islam Makhachev already has secured the lightweight title, and now cousin Umar Nurmagomedov may be next. Umar secured a clear decision win over Cory Sandhagen in the main […]

Continue Reading Khabib Names Who He’d Rather Umar Nurmagomedov Fight For The UFC Bantamweight Title Out Of Sean O’Malley & Merab Dvalishvili at MMA News.

After having his own run in the UFC as a dominant undefeated champion years ago, Khabib Nurmagomedov is now helping to mentor others toward their own reigns. Islam Makhachev already has secured the lightweight title, and now cousin Umar Nurmagomedov may be next.

Umar secured a clear decision win over Cory Sandhagen in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. The bout seemingly served as a bantamweight title eliminator, and “The Young Eagle” is most likely next in line to challenge the winner of the Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili title fight that takes place at The Sphere on September 14.

Following Umar’s win, Khabib Nurmagomedov was asked about his thoughts on who his cousin might have a better matchup with when it comes to claiming the gold. The former lightweight champion says the undefeated up-and-comer will be prepared regardless of who is holding the title.

That’s not to say he doesn’t have a preference, though…

Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Cousin Umar Nurmagomedov Is Ready To Be UFC Champion

“I want Merab to be honest, because he’s from Georgia. [Dagestan and Georgia are] neighbors. I want Merab to win because it’s going to be a very interesting fight. White papakha vs. black papakha. But if O’Malley wins, it’s going to be white papakha vs. pink papakha.

“He’s going to be good competition for O’Malley. A very good fight, high-level fight for all of the fans all over the world. It’s not easy to beat Umar. And it’s not easy to beat Merab or Sean O’Malley. This is high level. Anything can happen, but in my opinion, Umar is ready.”

Umar Nurmagomedov is now 6-0 in the UFC (and 18-0 overall) since entering the promotion in 2021.

O’Malley, meanwhile, won the bantamweight championship by defeating Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292. He retained the title against Marlon “Chito” Vera at UFC 299 in Miami this past March.

For his part, Dvalishvili has won 10 straight fights, clinching himself a title shot after defeating former champion Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 in February.

Continue Reading Khabib Names Who He’d Rather Umar Nurmagomedov Fight For The UFC Bantamweight Title Out Of Sean O’Malley & Merab Dvalishvili at MMA News.

Umar Nurmagomedov questions Sean O’Malley’s manhood: ‘Ashamed we have Sean as a champion’

Umar Nurmagomedov questions Sean O'Malley's manhood: 'Ashamed we have Sean as a champion'Umar Nurmagomedov isn’t a fan of Sean O’Malley’s antics on social media. The undefeated Dagestani standout returns to the…

Umar Nurmagomedov questions Sean O'Malley's manhood: 'Ashamed we have Sean as a champion'

Umar Nurmagomedov isn’t a fan of Sean O’Malley’s antics on social media.

The undefeated Dagestani standout returns to the Octagon this Saturday as the UFC heads to Abu Dhabi for a stacked Fight Night in Etihad Arena. Meeting Nurmagomedov in the main event will be bantamweight staple Cory Sandhagen in a bout that should produce the next 135-pound title contender.

Umar Nurmagomedov

As it stands, O’Malley sits atop the bantamweight throne, though his days could be number as he finds himself on a collision course with streaking Georgian sensation Merab Dvalishvili.

The pair will headline Noche UFC at Sphere in Las Vegas this September with the winner presumably facing the winner of Nurmagomedov vs. Sandhagen.

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During a recent conversation with Daniel Cormier on the Hall of Famer’s YouTube channel, Nurmagomedov didn’t mince words while discussing O’Malley, slamming ‘Sugar’ for acting like a “clown” on social media and doing things unbecoming of a strong champion.

“Me and Sean are two different [people],” Nurmagomedov said of O’Malley. “He loves being funny. We’re different guys and I’m ashamed we have Sean O’Malley as a champion. Men have to be different, it’s about different things…you have to be a good example for the young generation, and you can’t do something like a clown. When Sean Strickland tells him he looks like a clown…is life about money? No, men have to be strong guys…

“Men have to be gentlemen, not a clown, or doing some TikToks, music and dancing. It’s not about that…women can do this…we know what the UFC cares about. They don’t want to give him good fighters with good wrestling” (h/t BJPenn.com).

Thus far, O’Malley has not responded to Nurmagomedov’s comments.

‘Sandman’ looks to snatch Umar Nurmagomedov’s ‘O’ in Abu Dhabi

Umar Nurmagomedov is a perfect 17-0 in his mixed martial arts career with five of those victories coming under the UFC banner. Currently, he is sitting as the No. 10 ranked contender in the bantamweight division, but if he can score a big win over ‘Sandman’ in Abu Dhabi, he’ll skyrocket himself toward the top of the rankings and all but guarantee himself a shot at UFC gold.

Umar Nurmagomedov

Sandhagen goes into Saturday’s bout having won his last three, earning victories over Song Yadong, Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera, and Rob Font. Sandman’ also holds wins over Frankie Edgar, Marlon Moraes, and John Lineker. Sandhagen landed his first shot at a UFC title, competing against Petr Yan for the interim crown in October 2021. Yan won the bout via unanimous decision, forcing Sandhagen to go back to the drawing board.

If the Colorado native can take Nurmagomedov’s ‘O’ in the UAE, a showdown with either O’Malley or Dvalishvili will surely await.

MMA News Today: Sean O’Malley Criticizes Conor McGregor’s ‘Slow & Sloppy’ Pad Work, Amped Up Belal Muhammad & Alexander Volkanovski Trade Barbs After UFC 304, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For August 2, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Sean O’Malley Critiques Conor McGregor’s Latest Pad Work Video On Social Media After taking some time to recover from his injury that led to the cancellation of his […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: Sean O’Malley Criticizes Conor McGregor’s ‘Slow & Sloppy’ Pad Work, Amped Up Belal Muhammad & Alexander Volkanovski Trade Barbs After UFC 304, & More at MMA News.

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For August 2, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • O’Malley reviews latest McGregor footage
  • Muhammad and Volkanovski trade words after UFC 304 comments
  • Former strawweight champion set to return at UFC 307

Sean O’Malley Critiques Conor McGregor’s Latest Pad Work Video On Social Media

After taking some time to recover from his injury that led to the cancellation of his return at UFC 303, Conor McGregor appears to be getting back to work.

“The Notorious” is hopeful of returning later this year but he appeared to have taken his foot off the gas once June 29 was ruled out.

His latest training footage came courtesy of his own social media accounts, with the Irishman seen working on his boxing and hitting pads.

UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley, who has engaged in some interactions with McGregor as of late, gave his review via a reply to the post.

McGregor also commented in response, calling for O’Malley to try and do better whilst telling him to “cheer up”.

Belal Muhammad & Alexander Volkanovski Beef After Pre-Fight Comments

During a recent episode of Remember The Show, Belal Muhammad hit back at all his fellow fighters that doubted him ahead of UFC 304.

The new welterweight champion specifically referenced Alexander Volkanovski, who was in attendance this past weekend in Manchester, and suggested that Muhammad would be a good style clash for him.

“You guys were hating, all these guys wanted to come out. Volkanovski, ‘Man I think Belal’s a good match-up for me if I fight him.’ Shut up bro, I’ll smack the hell out of you. All these guys right, there’s nobody in the UFC that will beat me.”

Volkanovski responded on social media where he doubled down on his previous statement and told Muhammad to say that to him the next time they cross paths.

“@bullyb170 you have every reason to hate on what I said about you being a good stylistic match up for me but I truly believe that, even after your last fight, you didn’t show me anything different. You still mad because I accidentally missed your call…pathetic! Say ‘shut up, I’ll smack the shit out of you’ to my face and see what happens.”

“Remember The Name” had the final word on the matter in a follow-up post with a short and to the point message.

Carla Esparza Set To Return At UFC 307 In Utah Against Former Foe

Former UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza is expected to return for the first time since losing her title to Weili Zhang in November of 2022.

She took the majority of 2023 and 2024 off after giving birth to her son and is now targeted to compete in a rematch at UFC 307 on October 5.

Esparza and Tecia Pennington first met back on The Ultimate Fighter a decade ago with “Cookie Monster” getting the nod in that quarterfinal clash before going on to win the series.

MMA Junkie’s Nolan King reported the fight which will see both women look to return to the win column for the first time in several years.

Read more on the story here.

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Sean O’Malley’s Unfiltered Three-Word Reaction to Conor McGregor’s Latest Training Session

Sean O'Malley on Conor McGregor training footageConor McGregor has released fresh training footage of him hitting the pads and UFC champion Sean O’Malley is not…

Sean O'Malley on Conor McGregor training footage

Conor McGregor has released fresh training footage of him hitting the pads and UFC champion Sean O’Malley is not at all impressed.

Conor McGregor

The Notorious’ Conor McGregor has been confirmed to fight Michael Chandler on different dates but the Irish-born striker continues to postpone the match for different reasons. The most recent pushing of the date had to do with a toe injury.

Many fans speculate on how active Conor McGregor actually is in the training room given how hesitant he has been to confirm a date. Additionally, his social media activity typically revolves around partying and yachting, with less focus on training in the gym. Therefore, new training footage becomes major news.

Historically, Conor McGregor is one of the biggest stars in MMA history. The Irishman was a UFC two-division champion having captured both titles by way of knockout. Next, McGregor faced all-time great Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a blockbuster boxing fight. But in more recent years, he is coming off of two losses and has not had a match since 2021. Conor McGregor needed some time after the leg break he suffered against rival Dustin Poirier.

Sean O’Malley

The US-born Sean O’Malley became the UFC bantamweight champion and is a new star for the organization. The 29-year-old athlete impressed MMA fans worldwide with his highlight reel knockouts early in his career. With an impressive win against the highly skilled Petr Yan, he punched his ticket for a title fight.

‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley then knocked out Aljamain Sterling to capture the bantamweight crown. He would later defend this title against ‘Chito’ Marlon Vera thus avenging an earlier loss. Next, he will look to defend his title later this year against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306.

Sean O’Malley on Conor McGregor

Recently, McGregor released new footage of him hitting pads:

UFC champion Sean O’Malley responded with merely three words:

“Slow and sloppy”

Sean O’Malley’s Unfiltered Three-Word Reaction to Conor McGregor’s Latest Training Session

Sean O'Malley on Conor McGregor training footageConor McGregor has released fresh training footage of him hitting the pads and UFC champion Sean O’Malley is not…

Sean O'Malley on Conor McGregor training footage

Conor McGregor has released fresh training footage of him hitting the pads and UFC champion Sean O’Malley is not at all impressed.

Conor McGregor

The Notorious’ Conor McGregor has been confirmed to fight Michael Chandler on different dates but the Irish-born striker continues to postpone the match for different reasons. The most recent pushing of the date had to do with a toe injury.

Many fans speculate on how active Conor McGregor actually is in the training room given how hesitant he has been to confirm a date. Additionally, his social media activity typically revolves around partying and yachting, with less focus on training in the gym. Therefore, new training footage becomes major news.

Historically, Conor McGregor is one of the biggest stars in MMA history. The Irishman was a UFC two-division champion having captured both titles by way of knockout. Next, McGregor faced all-time great Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a blockbuster boxing fight. But in more recent years, he is coming off of two losses and has not had a match since 2021. Conor McGregor needed some time after the leg break he suffered against rival Dustin Poirier.

Sean O’Malley

The US-born Sean O’Malley became the UFC bantamweight champion and is a new star for the organization. The 29-year-old athlete impressed MMA fans worldwide with his highlight reel knockouts early in his career. With an impressive win against the highly skilled Petr Yan, he punched his ticket for a title fight.

‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley then knocked out Aljamain Sterling to capture the bantamweight crown. He would later defend this title against ‘Chito’ Marlon Vera thus avenging an earlier loss. Next, he will look to defend his title later this year against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306.

Sean O’Malley on Conor McGregor

Recently, McGregor released new footage of him hitting pads:

UFC champion Sean O’Malley responded with merely three words:

“Slow and sloppy”

Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera Gives Props To Sean O’Malley, Talks Viral Knee: ‘Really Kinda Shocked Me…’

Marlon “Chito” Vera returns this weekend in Abu Dhabi where he looks to get back to winning ways in the bantamweight division. Vera faces a tough test in former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo but he has all the motivation he needs after how his last fight went. The challenger was unable to really put his […]

Continue Reading Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera Gives Props To Sean O’Malley, Talks Viral Knee: ‘Really Kinda Shocked Me…’ at MMA News.

Marlon “Chito” Vera returns this weekend in Abu Dhabi where he looks to get back to winning ways in the bantamweight division.

Vera faces a tough test in former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo but he has all the motivation he needs after how his last fight went.

The challenger was unable to really put his stamp on his 135-pound title fight with Sean O’Malley at UFC 299, where he was beaten convincingly over the five round contest.

His toughness was enough to keep him in the fight but even that was tested at several points by some sniper-like striking from “Suga”.

One strike, in particular, stole the show in March after O’Malley landed a knee that sounded even worse than it looked.

Marlon Vera Says A Punch In The Fifth Round Hurt More Than Viral Knee

Before he makes the walk once again this weekend, Vera reflected on his last fight and some of the damage that he took.

It says a lot about his heart and durability that he was able to make it to the final bell with many finding it hard to believe that he continued to fight on after that knee strike landed in the second round.

Vera spoke during his media day interview about what was going through his mind at that moment and how much damage the knee actually caused.

“Just to make a comparison, the punch in the fifth round that land perfectly on my eye, it wasn’t an eye poke but it felt like one, hurt me a million times more. Like I was fully blind, I was like, ‘F***!’ It was a perfect punch, props on him but I mean the knee really like kind of shocked me.

“I was like, ‘F*** I got clipped with something big,’ and I know it was the knee but I wasn’t like… my legs were there. I was just like, ‘F*** that really hurt,’ In terms of a hit but I would say my brain and my legs were there. I was just like don’t do that again. It was pretty much almost the same knee that I hit Font with.”

Read also: Marlon Vera Questions Merab Dvalishvili’s Chin Ahead Of Sean O’Malley Title Fight: ‘If You’re Getting Dropped By Cejudo…’

Continue Reading Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera Gives Props To Sean O’Malley, Talks Viral Knee: ‘Really Kinda Shocked Me…’ at MMA News.