Tim Welch predicted a potential future fight between Sean O’Malley and Ilia Topuria.
Welch who has coached O’Malley for the past several years believes it would be a good fight stylistically.
Topuria, who knocked out Max Holloway on the weekend, has welcomed all challenges.
Welch Predicts Sean O’Malley vs Ilia Topuria
Speaking to Submission radio Tim Welch said; “No, I don’t think it’s past. I mean, you never know what will happen in the UFC. It’s not impossible that Volkanovski goes out there and beats Ilia Topuria.
“I mean, that’s possible so you never know and I do think stylistically, Sean could give Ilia problems. He really could but Ilia Topuria is a very, very scary fight. “That’s not a fight that you go in there and be like, ‘Oh yeah man we’re going to…’, it’s like you make one mistake with Ilia Topuria and you’re going to be lights out, looking up at the ceiling or whatever but that’s a scary, scary fight.
“But I do believe that Sean, with his range and with his speed and with his, with his I mean, just his, his overall skill set, he could give Ilia problems. I do believe that.”
Welch Believes O’Malley vs Merab 2 Is Likely to Happen Next
Welch also went on to say he believes Sean O’Malley will most likely face off against champion Merab Dvalishvili. The pair have previously clashed and it resulted in a split decision win for the Georgian fighter. Whilst O’Malley has disputed the result a rematch will most likely occur in 2025.
The American said; “It is very likely we will get the rematch. We fix a couple of things from that first fight and then the fight will be completely different. Especially if we get Sean to one hundred percent he can let loose and not be afraid to commit. As well not been afraid to get taken down and leaned one.”
“Sean has not to be afraid of getting taken down, get back up by creating a scramble. He shouldn’t be worried about cardio or his hip hurting. I think it’s very likely this fight will happen next.
Umar Nurmagomedov was set to be the next contender following Merab’s victory over Sean O’Malley. With negotiations stalling it seems highly unlikely the Dagestan fighter will be next in line for a title opportunity.
How does a fight between Sean O’Malley and Ilia Topuria pan out? Comment below
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
