- Sean O’Malley believes it’s a slight dig veiled as a compliment when fighters ask for the “Sean O’Malley Treatment”
- O’Malley will be taking on Pedro Munhoz at UFC 276
Sean O’Malley, one of the most exciting fighters on the come up is slated to face Pedro Munhoz this July. Joining the UFC ranks through Dana White’s Contender Series, O’Malley made his mark with a fan-friendly fighting style. His journey in the promotion hasn’t always been the stuff of dreams although he has enjoyed the benefits of strategic matchmaking.
The “Sean O’Malley Treatment”
O’Malley has received criticism from his fellow fighters for the way he goes about his opponents. As one of the most well-known names in the organization, it may be surprising that he hasn’t fought any top-ranked contender. O’Malley used to be rebuked for hand-picking his opponents and turning down fights against those he deems to be more skilled.
During an older interview, O’Malley spoke about not wanting to fight higher-level athletes at low pay. His statement instantly put him on the wrong side of the community. It seemed like he had broken an unspoken rule of mixed martial arts.
“I feel like it’s kind of a prop but also, kind of a dig”
“I think Paddy’s doing the same thing. It’s just like, people kinda hated it at first but then it’s like, ‘oh, that actually makes sense.’ When I first got into the UFC, you know 10 and 10, 12 and 12, whatever I’m getting it’s like does it make sense to go and fight these top guys for 20 and 20”
“It’s not even like I asked UFC. I didn’t say, ‘hey, I don’t want to fight top guys’. That’s just who they’ve been offering me. They’re in control of my career but I mean it just works out that way.”
Things have been changing lately as more fighters echo the same sentiment. Recently, Paddy Pimblett opened up about not wanting to fight a top-15 ranked opponent due to pay issues.
O’Malley considers Munhoz to be his toughest challenge
‘Sugar’ Sean first featured in the company during The Ultimate Fighter season 26. The 27-year-old was one of the breakout stars from the Contender Series and managed to carry his hype forward. O’Malley will be looking to extend his current three-fight win streak to four when he steps inside the octagon against Pedro Munhoz.
O’Malley was already trash talking before the fight was announced as he referred to his opponent as “Prelim Pedro”. In an appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani today, Sean O’Malley talked about his next opponent.
“I think it makes sense. We both fought on that last card. It’s a good step up. You look at his last couple losses, they’re to former world champions, Dominick Cruz, Jose Aldo, Frankie Edgar. He’s not losing to some scrubs
“I think “Prelim Pedro” is the real deal. I think it’s my toughest opponent to date, a 100 percent, no questions asked. I mean he knocked out Cody but who hadn’t so I guess that doesn’t matter. But yeah “Prelim Pedro” is going to be my toughest fight for sure”
“I think “Prelim Pedro” is a great next step, never been finished. I’m definitely looking going there and putting his lights out. I don’t want to go to a decision.”
O’Malley will return to action against Munhoz in one of the best cards of the year during the International Fight Week in Vegas. He’s called for a rematch with ‘Chito’ Vera but he’ll need to dispatch Munhoz on July 2 first.