Sean O’Malley believes Dan Hooker should be a much bigger star. Hooker has been in the headlines recently for his visa issues leading up to his eventual unanimous decision win over Nasrat Haqparast last month at UFC 266. It didn’t stop there though as he would swiftly agree to step in on short notice to […]
Sean O’Malley believes Dan Hooker should be a much bigger star.
Hooker has been in the headlines recently for his visa issues leading up to his eventual unanimous decision win over Nasrat Haqparast last month at UFC 266.
While Hooker is naturally an underdog against the dominant Makhachev, O’Malley believes it’s a win-win situation for the New Zealander.
“It’s a win-win in a sense because he (Dan Hooker) is supposed to get mauled,” O’Malley said on his channel (via Sportskeeda). “He goes out there, takes a short-notice fight, gets mauled, gets paid, gets everyone’s like, ‘This motherf*cker’s got balls’.
“Now, he’s gonna fight probably someone coming off a loss; still a stud prize. Or he goes out there and submits him, and it’s like, ‘Holy sh**’, or finishes him or just beats him in general.”
Overall, however, “Sugar” believes Hooker should be much more of a star in the eyes of the fans — especially given how game a fighter he is.
“Hooker’s an animal,” he added. “I wish that dude was – I mean, he also said UFC offered him money that he couldn’t turn down, which is sweet. He deserves it. Hooker deserves more popularity, more; I mean, I think everyone respects him. I don’t think there’s anyone that’s like, ‘Nope, Hooker. No’.
“But he should be more of a star, I think. Dude’s a f*cking stud.”
UFC bantamweight contender, Adrian Yanez has given his thoughts on the recent surge of polarizing striker, Sean O’Malley — claiming that the Montana native has enjoyed almost flawless success recently, by way of picking quite comfortable fights for himself stylistically. Yanez, akin to O’Malley, is a product of Dana White‘s Contender Series — debuting in the organization […]
UFC bantamweight contender, Adrian Yanez has given his thoughts on the recent surge of polarizing striker, Sean O’Malley — claiming that the Montana native has enjoyed almost flawless success recently, by way of picking quite comfortable fights for himself stylistically.
Yanez, akin to O’Malley, is a product of Dana White‘s Contender Series — debuting in the organization back in October of last year scoring a stunning high kick knockout victory over Victor Rodriguez.
The Texan has managed to lodge three straight knockout wins during his year UFC tenure, earning Performance of the Night bonuses in each of his Octagon walks. Most recently, the 27-year-old met with fellow fan favorite, Randy Costa at UFC Vegas 32 in July, rallying to lodge a second round knockout success.
Yanez, a staple of Metro Fight Club, is slated to make his fourth Octagon appearance in November at UFC Fight Night 198 — taking on Davey Grant, with the pair hoping to crack the bantamweight top-15 with a victory.
Speaking with LowKick MMA reporter, Jordan Ellis ahead of his matchup with Grant, Yanez touched on the rise of the above-mentioned, O’Malley — pointing out how the striker has managed to make a steady ascension toward the rankings, by more or less “cherry-picking” his opponents.
“See, what I think Sean O’Malley is doing is smart, but at the same time, he’s picked all of the right fights for the right time for him,” Adrian Yanez said. “But also those guys — he has some really super favorable fights. Like, I’m not like, looking for the guy who’s coming off the couch in like four years in Eddie Wineland just so I can knock him out in his first comeback fight. And then get another guy who was already on a losing streak in Thomas Almeida, who’s already been away from the fight game for a couple years, comes back and gets knocked out by Sean O’Malley.“
“No disrespect to (Louis) Smolka but stylistically, I don’t think that was a good fight for Smolka, ’cause I definitely think O’Malley was gonna be able to — like, those type of fights to me, were super favorable. He was probably like a -500 (favorite) for a lot of those fights, like I don’t want any of those fights.“
Approaching his fourth contest under the UFC’s banner, Yanez has stressed that he does not want to find himself sharing the Octagon with the same type of fighter O’Malley has.
“I definitely wanna fight and I definitely wanna have those tough opponents,” Adrian Yanez explained. “I don’t want the easy route of having those fights being picked, those — to me those are cherry-picked fights for Sean, but at the same time, he’s being smart in his business decision. He’s doing it ’cause he wants the most money. … It’s smart, but if you’re an absolute fight fan, you don’t like it, you don’t respect it. Like, if you’re a fighter’s fighter, you don’t care (about opponents).“
For O’Malley, the striker is on the cusp of bantamweight rankings as well, and is currently booked to feature at UFC 269 on December 11. — taking on the #15 ranked contender, Raulian Paiva.
In regards to Yanez’s comments, O’Malley hit the headlines last month, detailing how when it comes to fighting contenders, he receives the exact same money based on his current contract for fighting an unranked opponent, as he would if he contended against the #1 ranked former champion, Petr Yan.
Do you agree with Adrian Yanez? Is Sean O’Malley cherry-picking his opponents?
UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley has suggested that he’d knock former champion Petr Yan out inside one round if they were to trade blows inside the cage. O’Malley’s comments came after it was announced that Sterling, the current UFC Bantamweight Champion, was forced to withdraw from his scheduled rematch with “No Mercy” on October 30. The […]
UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley has suggested that he’d knock former champion Petr Yan out inside one round if they were to trade blows inside the cage.
O’Malley’s comments came after it was announced that Sterling, the current UFC Bantamweight Champion, was forced to withdraw from his scheduled rematch with “No Mercy” on October 30. The clash was set to be the co-main event for the promotion’s return to Abu Dhabi.
The pair first collided at UFC 259 in March. Yan was looking to defend his title for the first time, and through three rounds, he looked to be firmly on his way to doing so. However, an illegal knee signaled the end of the bout and the end of the Russian’s short title reign. After Yan’s disqualification, “Funk Master” became the first UFC champion to have been crowned via a DQ.
After Sterling underwent neck surgery shortly after removing Yan from the throne, their inevitable rematch was delayed. To the fill the time, the rivals continued to trade barbs over social media. With the champ’s withdrawal, that trend is likely to continue over the coming months.
After a short search for a new opponent, it’s been announced that Cory Sandhagen will replace Sterling at next month’s pay-per-view. “The Sandman” will fight Yan for the Interim UFC Bantamweight Championship.
UFC is moving forward with an interim bantamweight title fight between Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen at UFC 267 on Oct. 30, Dana White told @bokamotoESPN.
Reigning champion Aljamain Sterling was scheduled to defend his title against Yan, but failed to receive medical clearance. pic.twitter.com/MDxVv2hN9p
As the UFC bantamweight title scene continues to develop and change, there’s one surging bantamweight who’s been keeping himself involved in the conversation with the top contenders online. Sean O’Malley, who is unranked, has been exchanging words with Yan for well over a year.
Having thrown his name in the hat to face the Russian next month before the announcement of Sandhagen’s interim title fight with him, O’Malley further commented on a possible clash with “No Mercy” in a recent episode of his TimboSugarShow podcast. “Sugar” suggested he’d knock the former champion out inside one round.
“I’m just saying that I’m training for it, me [Sean O’Malley] vs. Petr Yan is happening. Could you guys imagine though, unranked champ? Going from fucking rank number whatever to champ, cos’ I sleep the Russian in one…the biggest fight would be me vs. Petr.” (h/t Sportskeeda)
O’Malley added that he plans on giving everything he has early when he eventually meets Yan inside the Octagon. In his mind, he either knocks the Russian out fast, or he gets finished himself. Either way, he doesn’t believe the fight would last more than two rounds.
“I plan on fucking going in there and in 10 minutes, take him out, and if not, get taken out baby. Petr, you don’t want to fight the poodle?”
Yan did provide a short reply to O’Malley on Twitter. After “Sugar” tagged him in a post immediately after news of Sterling’s withdrawal, “No Mercy” responded with his trademark O’Malley insult, “What’s up poodle?”
Despite being outside of the divisional top-15, O’Malley is one of the bigger names at bantamweight. Since falling to his first loss at the hands of Marlon “Chito” Vera last year, the rising star has rebounded in style. A dominant performance against Thomas Almeida brought him back into the win column, before a record-breaking striking display against Kris Moutinho at UFC 264 netted him $50,000.
After turning down a fight with Frankie Edgar at UFC 268 because of New York’s high taxation and his head coach’s commitments elsewhere, O’Malley announced his intention to fight in December. Brian Kelleher seemingly confirmed a matchup with “Sugar” for later this year, but there’s yet to be any official confirmation.
How do you think Sean O’Malley would fare against Petr Yan?
Sean O’Malley returns at UFC 269 against the #15-ranked Raulian Paiva on Dec. 11 but is still catching flak for not fighting ranked fighters. After the masses called for O’Malley to face a ranked opponent, they got their wish–even though Paiva isn’t the most recognizable name, O’Malley maintains he’s a ranked opponent nonetheless. Fresh off […]
Sean O’Malley returns at UFC 269 against the #15-ranked Raulian Paiva on Dec. 11 but is still catching flak for not fighting ranked fighters.
After the masses called for O’Malley to face a ranked opponent, they got their wish–even though Paiva isn’t the most recognizable name, O’Malley maintains he’s a ranked opponent nonetheless. Fresh off his beatdown of UFC newcomer Kris Moutinho, O’Malley’s stock couldn’t be higher.
“Suga” holds a professional record of 11-1. The 26-year-old was tasked with fighting Marlon Vera in his fifth UFC appearance. During the fight, O’Malley was doing well with kicks from range. However, while trying to disengage from the clinch, the rising star twisted his ankle and “Chito” capitalized. Shortly after O’Malley fell to the ground, Vera rained elbows from guard until the referee stepped in to stop the contest.
O’Malley, who is now on a two-fight winning streak, spoke on his podcast, the TimboSugarShow to address all of the antagonists giving him guff about not fighting ranked fighters.
Former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt was the latest to attack O’Malley. The two sparked up some tension after gabbing back and forth on social media a little over a month ago.
I hope you don’t get knocked out at strawweight because it won’t look as good when I knock you out. Good luck. https://t.co/5qdLq6L0oH
“I hope you don’t get knocked out at strawweight because it won’t look as good when I knock you out. Good luck.” O’Malley posted.
Garbrandt was last seen in the Octagon against Rob Font in May. While the former 135-pound titleholder lost a unanimous decision, Garbrandt at least showcased his renewed durability. Following his most recent loss to Font, Garbrandt is taking his services to flyweight against Kai Kara-France at UFC 269.
As of this writing, it appears Garbrandt and Sean O’Malley are headed in different directions but will be fighting on the same card when December arrives. With the rivalry in their back pocket for now, perhaps the two will meet down the line.
Do you think Cody Garbrandt could grind Sean O’Malley out with wrestling?
It appears Luke Rockhold has gotten under the skin of rising UFC bantamweight star Sean O’Malley. According to O’Malley, he likes most fighters under UFC contract but recently admitted that he thought Luke Rockhold was a ‘douche’. The former middleweight champion is set for a showdown with the brash Sean Strickland at UFC 269 on […]
It appears Luke Rockhold has gotten under the skin of rising UFC bantamweight star Sean O’Malley.
According to O’Malley, he likes most fighters under UFC contract but recently admitted that he thought Luke Rockhold was a ‘douche’. The former middleweight champion is set for a showdown with the brash Sean Strickland at UFC 269 on Dec. 11 inside of Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York.
Rockhold’s opponent, Strickland, also admitted that the former champ’s arrogance was offputting. Following Strickland’s expletive-filled rant about Rockhold, fellow UFC fighter Sean O’Malley shared his opinion about the former middleweight champion as well. In the latest episode of Sean O’Malley’s podcast on YouTube, the bantamweight described why he took issue with one of AKA’s senior members.
“There’s not anybody in the UFC I don’t like. I take that back, Luke Rockhold’s a douche. Other than that, god, it sucks, I can’t say that because he could… it’s hard to say that because he can beat me up so hopefully I just don’t get in a situation where it’s me and him in a room and I’m like ‘I didn’t mean that Luke. Lucas, I just thought what you said was douchey,” Sean O’Malley said.
O’Malley claims that he might walk back his statements about Rockhold if they were ever trapped in a room together. After all, the 135-pound star understands the massive size difference between the two. “Suga” insists that Rockhold was drunk at a party and began pestering O’Malley’s dad about his son losing to Marlon “Chito” Vera.
“They were in Whitefish. Luke [Rockhold] was drunk and he kept telling my dad ‘Chito beat your son’s a**.’ My dad said Luke was super (buzzed) but he kept saying ‘Chito beat your son’s a**.’ Why would he be like that? Luke said (to my father) ‘Do you not know who I am?’ And my dad said, ‘You look familiar but I don’t know.’ So that probably p*ssed him off. I don’t know the whole story,” Sean O’Malley said in an earlier episode of his podcast.
Apparently, Sean Strickland and Sean O’Malley share their disdain for Rockhold. After the bantamweight admitted that the former champ tried to antagonize his father after O’Malley lost to Marlon Vera, his opinion on Rockhold has soured. Unlike O’Malley, however, Strickland’s trash talk with Rockhold will reach heights we don’t often see between two combatants on a marquee pay-per-view.
In the wake of Jon Jones’ disturbing arrest, UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley has suggested that alcohol has a grave effect on a person’s ability to be themselves. Prior to last month’s UFC 266 pay-per-view, Jones was in Las Vegas for this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony. After being inducted into the Fight Wing for his […]
In the wake of Jon Jones’ disturbing arrest, UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley has suggested that alcohol has a grave effect on a person’s ability to be themselves.
Prior to last month’s UFC 266 pay-per-view, Jones was in Las Vegas for this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony. After being inducted into the Fight Wing for his memorable first clash with Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165, “Bones” found himself in an all-too-familiar controversy.
Hours after the ceremony concluded, Jones was arrested for misdemeanor battery domestic violence and injuring and tampering with a vehicle. Later reports revealed that the incarceration followed a dispute with his fiancée, which had allegedly turned physical.
The Las Vegas Metro Police Department has released the mugshot of Jon Jones from his Friday morning arrest. pic.twitter.com/WlLXOJIL3u
While the likes of Israel Adesanya, Chael Sonnen, and Daniel Cormier have given damning verdicts on Jones’ latest transgression, Sean O’Malley has laid heavy blame on the alcohol the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion had consumed.
Speaking on a recent episode of The BrOMalley Show, O’Malley said that while there’s no excuse for the crimes Jones allegedly committed, he’s aware of how an excessive amount of alcohol can change a person.
“Speaking of looking good and steps ahead and just dominant, Jon Jones is 1-0 this year, that’s fucked up…it sucks. I don’t feel like I’m in a position to even judge. I don’t know what’s going on in his mind or I don’t know what’s going on in his life. Like, obviously he shouldn’t have done that. Obviously that’s fucked up, obviously he knows that. Dude, when you’re drunk, it’s not your true self. You’re fucking drunk dude…like dude, who knows what he’s dealing with? Not okay, 100%. Should definitely get punished for it. I don’t know if he’s necessarily a piece of shit bad guy. He needs help dude…you can’t beat on your boo.” (h/t Sportskeeda)
Following his HOF induction, Jones provided an update on his return to the octagon. The former champ told reporters that he’s targeting the second quarter of 2022 for his heavyweight debut, preferably against UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou. It remains to be seen if his UFC status will be affected after his latest arrest.
UFC is finalizing a bantamweight bout between Raulian Paiva and Sean O'Malley for UFC 269 on Dec. 11, multiple sources told @bokamotoESPN. pic.twitter.com/HDx5MX3ZBR
While Jones awaits his court date, O’Malley will be preparing for his return to the cage later this year. After a search for an opponent for December 11, which included callouts of Dominick Cruz, Pedro Munhoz, and rumors of an agreed fight with Brian Kelleher, it was announced that “Sugar” is set to meet #15-ranked bantamweight Raulian Paiva at UFC 269.
Since falling to his first career defeat against Marlon “Chito” Vera last year, O’Malley has secured consecutive victories over Thomas Almeida and Kris Moutinho in 2021. His triumph against the promotional newcomer at UFC 264 in July saw him put in a record-breaking striking performance inside the T-Mobile Arena.
Should the 26-year-old advance past Paiva in December, it stands to reason that a number next to his name and a top opponent awaits him next time out.
What do you make of Sean O’Malley’s comments on Jon Jones’ arrest?
UFC bantamweight contender, Adrian Yanez has given his thoughts on the recent surge of polarizing striker, Sean O’Malley — claiming that the Montana native has enjoyed almost flawless success recently, by way of picking quite comfortable fights for himself stylistically. Yanez, akin to O’Malley, is a product of Dana White‘s Contender Series — debuting in the organization […]