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The MMA community is buzzing with news of Sean O'Malley's recent contract signing with the UFC. The 28-year-old bantamweight fighter is in the prime of his career and has been the center of attention in the division. In this article, we will take a closer look at O'Malley's current status, his recent win against Petr Yan, and what the future might hold for the fighter known as "Suga".
A New Contract and a Bright Future
In a recent announcement on his YouTube channel, O'Malley revealed that he signed a new contract with the UFC that is valid for the next eight fights. He said, "I got a very gracious contract that I’m proud of.
I got a number that I'm very happy with. I truly don’t think any manager that I had could have went in there and got me what I got." O'Malley no longer has a manager and negotiates and arranges fights with the UFC personally.
This move seems to have paid off for the fighter, as he has landed the biggest contract of his career to date.
Waiting in the Wings
Despite being the first challenger for the bantamweight title held by Aljamain Sterling, O'Malley will have to wait his turn.
The return of former champion Henry Cejudo has shifted the focus of the division, as Cejudo is expected to immediately challenge for the belt in his first comeback match. O'Malley defeated the then-number one challenger Petr Yan by a split decision in his last appearance, but the win was surrounded by controversy, with many believing that Yan should have won.
When asked about his future plans, O'Malley stated that he would wait for the winner between Cejudo and Sterling before trying to attack the belt. He said, "I feel like I have earned this contract. I feel like I have earned the amount that I’m getting paid." The UFC's decision to sign O'Malley to a new contract was a wise move, as he is one of the brightest prospects in the bantamweight division.
Although O'Malley was promised a title shot after the win, it seems that he will have to wait until Sterling recovers from his injury before getting a shot at the belt.