This weekend, the UFC bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley, will defend his championship against Merab Dvalishvili in the main event of Noche UFC in Las Vegas. The promotion labels this event as potentially “the greatest sporting event of all time,” which sets the stage for a highly anticipated showdown. It’s interesting to note that O’Malley has been chosen to headline this event, signaling the high regard in which the UFC holds him. O’Malley himself is confident that a victory in this fight will bring him closer to achieving a status comparable to Conor McGregor’s.
Chasing McGregor’s Shadow
In an interview with ESPN during Wednesday’s media day, O’Malley expressed his belief that he is nearing Conor McGregor’s level of stardom in the UFC. He acknowledges that McGregor still has one more significant fight left in him, likely against Michael Chandler. However, O’Malley sees an opportunity to bridge the gap if McGregor falters in his next bout. He emphasizes his active fighting style as a key differentiator from McGregor’s approach, stating that consistency is his strength.
The comparison between O’Malley and McGregor extends beyond their fighting styles to their career trajectories. McGregor, once a prolific fighter with multiple championship wins in different weight classes, has become less active in recent years. In contrast, O’Malley, at 29 years old, has fought frequently since his UFC debut in 2017. This will be his eighth fight in less than four years, showcasing his commitment to staying busy and honing his skills.
Looking ahead, O’Malley envisions a variety of exciting matchups within the UFC, including potential bouts against the likes of UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, Max Holloway, Umar Nurmagomedov, and Deiveson Figueiredo. While O’Malley acknowledges the possibility of a future boxing match, he asserts that his current focus remains on his MMA career. The fans’ interest in McGregor’s boxing spectacle against Floyd Mayweather serves as a reminder of the crossover appeal between combat sports.
Sean O’Malley’s upcoming fight against Merab Dvalishvili represents a crucial step in his quest to match or surpass Conor McGregor’s status as the biggest star in the UFC. Through his active fighting style, consistency, and dedication to his craft, O’Malley is positioning himself as a formidable force in the promotion. As the spotlight shines on him at Noche UFC, the outcome of this fight could be a defining moment in O’Malley’s career trajectory.
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