Rising bantamweight sensation Sean O’Malley has confirmed that UFC president Dana White has told him he’d fight for the 135lbs strap next time he steps inside the Octagon.
O’Malley catapulted himself up the rankings cementing himself as the No.1 contender when defeating Petr Yan by split decision at UFC 280. The result was Suga’s most prolific win of his career thus far. O’Malley also answered a handful of questions to those that doubted his heart and durability.
In an interview with ESPN, O’Malley revealed he had recently met with White and UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby about the next logical move for him. O’Malley told ESPN that the boss was eager to have him fight for UFC gold next.
Sean O’Malley Has Sights Set on Bantamweight Title
“I know my next fight is for the title,” O’Malley revealed.
The 28-year-old said he was looking to return in July 2023, but the opponent remains to be seen. The current bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling indicated he’d enjoy locking horns with O’Malley, but their times may align differently than Sterling’s hope of returning sooner than July.
O’Malley is aware of his star power and has rapidly grown into one of the biggest stars in the company: “I’m the biggest fight — obviously,” Suga said. “It doesn’t take a genius to figure that out; anybody I fight is going to be the biggest fight in the division. I don’t know what to tell him.”
Another name lurking in the background of the bantamweight division is Henry Cejudo, who has voiced his case for a title fight upon his return to MMA competition. The Olympic gold medallist announced his retirement in May of 2020 after attaining two world titles in two weight classes, but since then, the urge to compete has enticed Cejudo to return.
O’Malley was vocal in expressing he’d rather clash with Cejudo, than Sterling for the world title.
“It’s a better win, beating the two-time world champ, two weight [classes], Olympic gold medallist,” O’Malley explained. “If you’re just going off that, what win looks better? A win over Aljo or a win over Henry? For me, a win over Henry looks better.”
White had labelled the winner of O’Malley vs. Yan as the next to fight for the championship, and with O’Malley leaving victorious, Sterling welcomed the No.1 contender with open arms.
Ajlamain Sterling Believes O’Malley Is the Deserving No.1 Contender
“I think he’s the biggest fight. He’s the most active, he beat the No. 1 guy – former champion – so, I don’t see how you can backtrack after saying the winner of this fight gets the next crack at the title. So, for me, it’s Sean O’Malley.”
“Sugar Sean, sign the contract,” he added. “That’s my guy. There is no contract, though. But, if there’s a guy I can pick it’s — Mr. Sugar.”
Sterling is soaking up the championship lifestyle. The Funk Master has won eight-straight bouts dating back to 2018 and most recently scored a second-round TKO over TJ Dillashaw at UFC 280.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
