UFC legend Chael Sonnen believes that Sean O'Malley's ability to call out opponents is what differentiates him from fellow fan-favourite Paddy Pimblett.
O'Malley and Pimblett are two of the most intriguing characters in MMA and have attracted millions of fans to their fights with explosive finishes and memorable interviews. But Sonnen, who is one of the greatest talkers in the sport's history, feels that the Brit seems not to be comfortable calling out specific names.
They are both big with fans, although O'Malley at just a year older is already one of the top-ranked bantamweights in the world after beating former world champion Petr Yan and shooting up the top 10. Pimblett, on the other hand, is just four fights into his promotional career and is taking a similarly slow path to the one O'Malley did with his first few bouts.
“The one difference between those two: I’ve never seen anyone get over to the extent that Paddy’s over without having this element, which is Paddy’s not calling anybody out,” Sonnen told fans in a recent YouTube video. “I could narrow down a few guys that Sean [O’Malley] is likely to fight next but I don’t see that for Paddy. Paddy doesn’t challenge anybody.
“I could narrow down a couple of guys that Sean is likely to fight next. Just over the weekend, I heard [bantamweight champion] Aljamain Sterling talking Sean's name and I saw Henry Cejudo in a video call Sean out. I don't see that from Paddy and normally I would tell you it's a mistake - it's not.
“I'm making an observation now, it's working without Paddy doing anything. I haven't the foggiest idea of what's next for Paddy. Paddy vs [Jared] Gordon in a rematch, boom, that works all day long. Set that aside and Paddy moving on with his career, that's fine too.
“There was something with Paddy and Justin Gaethje too and at some point you're going to have to take that big leap. Paddy's been in there [over] 20 times and he's not that young, so I'm just sharing with you that these all seem like good ideas but none of them are sparked by Paddy.”
Do you agree with Chael Sonnen's take on Paddy Pimblett and Sean O'Malley? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Sonnen, who earned all of his major title opportunities through relentless call-outs and media pressure alongside solid performances in the cage, is impressed that the Brit can command this attention without major callouts. He believes it's ultimately a positive reflection on Pimblett's star power, despite being an unorthodox route.
"I've never seen a guy this over, with the audience as enveloped in him, who has yet to call for an opponent," Sonnen continued. "We don't know with Paddy The Baddy if he wants to remain fighting guys who aren't ranked but in good positions where he can get good media and good opportunity to bring interest in. 'Maybe I win, maybe he does'.
"Otherwise, he might want to work his way up the ladder, take a bigger risk but then all of a sudden have a No.4 ranking, continue to take risks but all of a sudden have a No.1 ranking. [Does he want to] be in title talks? We just don't know that, that would be a very natural piece of the ingredients for any fighter that you're interested in."
