UFC champions Islam Makhachev and Sean O’Malley have exchanged words on social media.
O’Malley hasn’t been afraid to speak his mind on a slew of topics within the MMA community. One of those topics is on a potential champion vs. champion showdown between Makhachev and UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards. Following Edwards’ successful title defense over Colby Covington at UFC 296, Makhachev slammed the fight and said the 170-pound division needs a new champion.
O’Malley disagrees with Makhachev, as he’s taken to his X account to express his belief that Makhachev would be in for a rude awakening if he shares the Octagon with Leon Edwards:
Leon Beats Islam
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) December 24, 2023
“Leon beats Islam,” O’Malley wrote.
Islam Makhachev & Sean O’Malley Disagree On Social Media
Makhachev caught wind of O’Malley’s post, and he fired back with a warning for “Suga” on how a bout with his teammate, Umar Nurmagomedov would end.
“Umar beats Sugar,” Makhachev responded.
O’Malley wasn’t going to let that one slide, as he predicted a clear victory if he were to go one-on-one with Umar in the future.
I’ll beat the unibrow off Umnar https://t.co/NVvudVj64v
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) December 24, 2023
“I’ll beat the unibrow off Umnar,” O’Malley wrote.
O’Malley won’t have to worry about Makhachev or Nurmagomedov for now. He’s preparing for his first UFC Bantamweight Championship defense against Marlon “Chito” Vera. That matchup is scheduled to headline UFC 299 on March 9, 2024.
Speaking of March, that is the earliest date Makhachev will be returning to action, per his manager Ali Abdelaziz. His next opponent has not been made official, although Makhachev’s camp has made it clear they want a showdown with Justin Gaethje. It isn’t surprising, as Abdelaziz also represents Gaethje.
As for Umar, he is still recovering from a shoulder injury. He was expected to take on Cory Sandhagen back in August, but he suffered the injury while preparing for the bout. There is no word on when fight fans can expect him back inside the Octagon.
