After losing the UFC Bantamweight Title last time out against Merab Dvalishvili, the Sean O’Malley next fight is yet to be confirmed. Read on to find out when ‘Suga’ Sean’s next fight is and what his options are moving forward in the UFC.
Sean O’Malley Next Fight: Who Is The Former UFC Bantamweight King Fighting Next?
Sean O’Malley is without question one of the biggest stars in the UFC as of today. He is a former UFC champion and one of the icons of the sport now, not to mentioned being one of the most popular and most followed UFC fighters on the entire roster.
Sean O’Malley’s record currently sits at 18-2 (1NC), which consists of 12 knockout victories, one submission and five wins via decision. Inside the UFC, the 30-year-old has had 12 fights, winning nine of them.
UFC fans last saw ‘Suga’ in action at UFC 306 in September 2024. In what was his second UFC Bantamweight Title defence, O’Malley lost a relatively wide decision to Merab Dvalishvili, thus losing his 135-pound belt in the process. It was also his first defeat in over four years.
Now, the former UFC bantamweight king aims to get back in the win column and earn his shot at UFC gold in the 135-pound division once again. That begins in 2025, with rumours that O’Malley could face the winner of Dvalishvili vs Nurmagomedov as soon as he has fully recovered from his surgery.
In regards to Sean O’Malley’s next fight, the American MMA superstar has several options. It looks like he will continue to campaign at bantamweight, with the Merab Dvalishvili rematch the fight he wants most. Dvalishvili faces Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 in January, with the winner likely to face ‘Suga Sean’ in their next defence.
No matter who he fights next, the best UFC betting sites will likely list ‘Suga’ as a resounding favourite. Rightly so, he has proved he is one of the best bantamweights in the world on his day, and would likely be favourite against everyone in the division bar Merab Dvalishvili.
Could Sean O’Malley’s Next Fight Be For A UFC Title At Bantamweight Or Featherweight?
Should Sean O’Malley return to action in early-mid 2025, there are plenty of names who could potentially fight. As previously mentioned, a fight with the winner of UFC 311 co-main event could be on the cards against either Merab Dvalishvili or Umar Nurmagomedov.
Timing wise, this could work perfectly for O’Malley given that he only returned to training following surgery in late November. The winner of Dvalishvili vs Nurmagomedov would likely be ready to fight again in spring/early summer, which fits perfectly with Sean O’Malley’s timeline.
Another option that has been discussed by UFC President Dana White and MMA media and fans is a showdown with former long-reigning 145-pound king Alexander Volkanovski.
A showdown between the former bantamweight and featherweight champs would be an incredible spectacle. Whether or not the fight ever comes to fruition or not remains to be seen. It also depends entirely on whether Sean O’Malley moves up to 145-pounds or continues to campaign at bantamweight.
That fight could well be for the UFC Featherweight Title too if it were to happen, with rumours that the champion Ilia Topuria is moving up to 155-pounds. What a fight that would be between the former pound-for-pound great and rising star of ‘Suga’.
Whatever happens regarding the Sean O’Malley next fight, it is sure to be big. The 30-year-old is one of the biggest stars in the UFC, thus looked at advantageously for big opportunities. Lets hope MMA fans see ‘Suga’ back in action in the early part of 2025.
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