Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 11, 2024 3:37 pm GMT
As UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley prepares to defend his title against Merab Dvalishvili, he believes that featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is in need of a high-profile fight with him. O’Malley stated that after his title defense, he is open to moving up a weight class and potentially facing Topuria, whose own title defense against Max Holloway is also on the horizon.
O’Malley’s Title Defense and Future Aspirations
Sean O’Malley is gearing up for one of the most significant fights of his career as he defends his bantamweight championship against Dvalishvili at UFC 306, scheduled for tonight in Las Vegas. The bout has generated considerable buzz, with fans and analysts divided on the potential outcome. O’Malley, boasting a record of 18 wins and just one loss, has captivated audiences with his fighting style and has consistently called for high-profile matchups.
In a recent interview, O’Malley expressed his thoughts on the possibility of facing Ilia Topuria, emphasizing that the matchup would be beneficial for Topuria. “The more I think about the Ilia fight, I’m like, you know what, Ilia needs me,” O’Malley said. He speculated about Topuria’s future if he wins against Holloway, questioning who would be next for him beyond that fight.
Topuria’s Upcoming Title Defense
Ilia Topuria, currently undefeated in professional mixed martial arts with a record of 15-0, is set to defend his featherweight title against former champion Max Holloway on October 26 at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. This matchup is highly anticipated, as Holloway, with a record of 26-7, is one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history.
O’Malley expressed doubts about Topuria’s ability to secure a victory against Holloway, suggesting that he may have to pivot his focus elsewhere. Should the matchup between O’Malley and Topuria come to fruition, it could present both fighters with a significant opportunity for career advancement.
Coach Tim Welch’s Perspective
Tim Welch, O’Malley’s head coach, has offered insights into the potential matchup. Welch has observed Topuria’s fighting style and believes that there are avenues for O’Malley to succeed against him. While acknowledging Topuria’s skills, Welch pointed out aspects of Topuria’s game that he finds concerning, such as his flat-footedness and his stationary fighting style.
“I watched Topuria vs. Bryce Mitchell again, and he’s so f*cking good. His shoulders are so high, he’s so good at coming close,” Welch explained. However, he continued, “I just think it’s a winnable fight.” Welch believes that O’Malley’s length and range could play a critical role in a potential bout against Topuria.
Holloway Weighs In on Topuria
Max Holloway’s recent reaction to Topuria’s antics has added another layer to this story. Holloway publicly questioned Topuria’s authenticity regarding a recently shared Baddest Motherf*cker (BMF) title. He suggested that Topuria may have purchased a replica, as he himself is the official titleholder after his victory against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.
“That was weird, bro. This guy actually bought one,” Holloway stated in response to Topuria’s social media post. Holloway’s comments indicate that the rivalry between the two featherweights is heating up, further enhancing the draw of their upcoming fight.
Looking Ahead: Potential Matchups
Beyond O’Malley’s upcoming title defense and the Holloway-Topuria clash, the UFC landscape remains dynamic. Both O’Malley and Topuria have expressed interest in facing one another in the future, which could set the stage for an intriguing crossover between their respective weight classes.
O’Malley’s focus remains squarely on Dvalishvili for now, but the possibility of future matchups against Topuria or Holloway certainly hang in the balance. If he is successful in his title defense, moving up to featherweight to face Topuria would signify a bold move in O’Malley’s career.
Conclusion
As UFC 306 gets closer, everyone is excited to see Sean O’Malley defend his bantamweight championship. Ilia Topuria is also gearing up to defend his title against Max Holloway, and many fans are wondering if O’Malley and Topuria will face off against each other in the future. O’Malley said that Topuria “needs” him in the octagon, showing just how competitive these top fighters are. Fans can’t wait to see what happens in the next few months!
