UFC bantamweight champion “Suga” Sean O’Malley is gearing up for his next title defense, and fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the fight date. In a recent interview, O’Malley confirmed that the UFC has assured him a fight by the end of the month.
The opponent in question? Merab Dvalishvili, a formidable contender in the bantamweight division. O’Malley believes that this matchup will be a true test of his skills and a chance to solidify his status as one of the division’s top fighters.
The fight date is still up in the air, but there are two potential scenarios. O’Malley could step into the octagon in September, possibly at the Sphere—a venue known for its electric atmosphere and passionate fans. Alternatively, the clash might take place in December, headlining the year-end card expected to be held in Las Vegas.
As fight fans eagerly await the official announcement, O’Malley continues to train diligently, refining his striking accuracy and takedown defense. With 12 wins by knockout and a penchant for first-round finishes, he’s a force to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division.
🚨 Sean O'Malley says the UFC will have a fight date for him by the end of the month.
He believes that he'll be fighting Merab Dvalishvili either in September at the Sphere or in December at the year end card expected to be in Las Vegas.
(via. @DamonMartin & @TheMacLife) #UFC… pic.twitter.com/pV4xLQxxW6
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 7, 2024
Sean O’Malley’s UFC Journey
Sean O’Malley started his career in his native Montana, where he fought his first five professional bouts. He eventually expanded his reach, competing in North Dakota and then joining the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA).
At LFA, he secured a memorable knockout victory over David Nuzzo, catching the attention of UFC President Dana White. O’Malley’s impressive performance led to an opportunity on Dana White’s Contender Series. In his Contender Series fight, he faced Alfred Khashakyan and delivered a stunning first-round knockout.
As a result, he earned a UFC contract and officially joined the promotion. O’Malley made his promotional debut against Terrion Ware at The Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale. He secured a unanimous decision victory in that fight. Sean O’Malley continued to impress with wins over fighters like Andre Soukhamthath (despite injuring his foot during the fight).
His exciting style and charisma made him a fan favorite. Unfortunately, O’Malley faced a setback due to a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation. He tested positive for ostarine and received a six-month suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).
As of March 12, 2024, Sean O’Malley is ranked #6 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings. He competes in the Bantamweight division and holds the UFC Bantamweight Championship.