O’Malley’s call out and Topuria’s response
O’Malley, fresh off his first Bantamweight title defense against Marlon Vera at UFC 299, wasted no time in revealing his next target. He pointed directly at the newly crowned featherweight king, Ilia Topuria, and declared his intentions for pursing the double champ status. The Spanish sensation had captured the belt against Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February, and O’Malley wants a piece of the action, even if it takes him to the home of the Spaniard.
“Dana give me a Jet to Spain, Baby, I’m coming for Illia Topuria” O’Malley said in the cage after Joe Rogan asked him about his next plan following the win over Vera, “I want Illia, Baby, give me Illia.”
'Suga' shoots his shot for Spain 👀 #UFC299 pic.twitter.com/W1XeqqcApA
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) March 10, 2024
Topuria, in his prompt response on X, insisted that O’Malley has something else to take care of before shooting his shot at the 145-pound gold, and that’s Merab Dvalishvili, the Georgian superstar.
“Suga, congrats.. Was a beautiful performance! There is a fight chasing you with Merab.. Get that done first,” Topuria wrote.
Suga, congrats.. Was a beautiful performance! There is a fight chasing you with Merab.. Get that done first .
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) March 10, 2024
Alexander Volkanovski’s response to O’Malley’s move
Volkanovski, ever the tactician, weighed in on O’Malley’s audacious move. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, the Aussie fighter addressed the situation with a mix of respect and authority.
“He [Sean O’Malley] called out Ilia [Topuria],” said Volkanovski in the clip. “Look, unless you fight Ilia anytime soon, if youse can do a turnaround anytime soon, I guess you can have it. Because again, I’m having a little rest but I’m fighting him later in the year or whenever that is.”
“So I know I’m fighting for the title next. So if you are gonna try to squeeze that in, it better be soon because I’m next,” the former 145-pound champ added. “There’s your little window, if you want it.”
It is understandable for Volkanovski’s part that “The Great”, who was dethroned by Topuria after a title reign stretching more than four years and five defense, wants in on the rematch action even before O’Malley can shoot his shot at his long lost throne.
The featherweight division awaits its next chapter. A clash of champions- Sean O’Malley, Ilia Topuria, and Alexander Volkanovski. Their paths intersect the Octagon beckons, and fight fans buckle up for a thrilling ride.
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