Who Is Sean O’Malley Looking To Compare Himself To?

One of the top fighters today to keep an eye on, Sean O’Malley has made the most of his latest opportunity. An alumnus of Dana White’s Contender Series, O’Malley is ready to put himself on a list with some of the UFC’s top fighters.

The 25-year-old O’Malley (12-0) is just starting to break through in the UFC. He will look to continue his momentum when he faces off against Marlon Vera at UFC 252. In the co-main event spot, O’Malley’s rise has been something to keep an eye on. This will be his third fight in 2020. He last fought at UFC 250, beating Eddie Wineland via knockout. It was a straight shot that ended up earning him Performance of the Night.

Now 4-0 (5-0 if including the Contender Series) in the UFC, O’Malley is already ranked 14th in the UFC’s bantamweight rankings. Someone who has charisma and the skills to back it up, O’Malley compared his rise (to reporters before UFC 252) and how he wants to move up to two successful fighters the UFC has been able to market.

“I think obviously Conor’s (McGregor) career went well,” O’Malley stated, via MMA Junkie. “Israel Adesanya’s career went well and I feel like I want a similar career like that. (McGregor and I are) pretty similar in fighting styles. We knock people out in the first round. We’re not afraid to say how the fight will play out.”

McGregor would end up becoming one of the biggest names in all of combat sports. A UFC Lightweight and Featherweight Champion, McGregor has made a name for himself in and out of the octagon. Adesanya is the current UFC Middleweight Champion after just making his debut in 2018.

O’Malley has been able to rebound following setbacks in his career. He was set to compete at UFC 229 in October 2018 before initially testing positive for ostarine. Serving a six-month suspension, the supplement appeared to still be in his system as USADA flagged him for another failed test. This was when he was supposed to face Vera (15-6-1), and it was determined by USADA that the second violation was a result of a tainted dietary supplement.

Now on a roll, Vera will be a big test. If O’Malley can impress, like he did against Wineland, the competition level could dramatically increase for him.

“I think it totally depends how I go out there and finish ‘Chito,’” O’Malley said regarding a future top fight. “If I win a decision I don’t get that big, big next fight name. I could, because if I win a decision it will be a very impressive decision. But if I starch him I think I will get whoever I want.”

UFC 252 will be taking place inside the UFC APEX Center. The main event will be a trilogy fight featuring UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic facing Daniel Cormier.