Sean O’Malley Reveals Ilia Topuria’s ‘Bantamweight’ Brother Doesn’t Like Him

Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley reveals why Ilia Topuria's elder brother may be at odds with him.

Sean O’Malley Reveals Ilia Topuria’s ‘Bantamweight’ Brother Doesn’t Like Him

Sean O'Malley talks grievances with Aleksandre Topuria (via Bad Left Hook, Bloody Elbow)

Sean O’Malley is one of the biggest UFC superstars, known for his global popularity and promotional pull. His star power dipped in late 2024 and 2025 after back-to-back losses. Recent performances have restored his respect and level of superstardom. However, ‘Suga’ believed he did not feel the same engagement from Aleksandre Topuria during interactions with Ilia Topuria’s team at UFC Freedom 250.

O’Malley fought Aiemann Zahabi on the undercard of UFC Freedom 250 in a bantamweight bout. He controlled range with 48 significant strikes landed at over 55 percent accuracy while keeping Zahabi at distance. O’Malley increased pressure in round two, landing clean counters that led to a decisive finish. The fight ended via second-round TKO at 2:35 and inched O’Malley a step closer to title contention.

O’Malley and Aleksandre Topuria shared several public spaces during UFC Freedom 250. Aleksandre supported his younger brother as part of his camp for the lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje. O’Malley and Ilia were also seated on the same side during press conference setups. However, O’Malley later suggested that the older Topuria may have had personal issues with him, based on their interactions.

His brother didn’t even look at me. I shook all of his team’s hands, acknowledged, but his brother would not look at me. Wouldn’t look at me at all, doesn’t like me.

Sean O’Malley via his YouTube channel

O’Malley also acknowledged that he previously trolled Ilia Topuria on social media, including remarks about his height and fighting style. He said those comments were made long ago and were meant as lighthearted banter. O’Malley added that Topuria had also trolled him in return during past online exchanges. Despite this, the former bantamweight champion stated that he holds no grudges.

Aleksandre Topuria was a major part of his younger brother’s fight camp heading into UFC Freedom 250, staying involved throughout preparations. He was often seen planning on techniques and ways to dominate Gaethje while Ilia trained for the fight. Aleksandre also carried and stood by his brother at all times after the brutalizing loss to Gaethje, which left ‘El Matador’ unrecognizable.

In recent years, O’Malley has become more appreciative of Ilia Topuria despite their past exchanges. The Montana native also recently commended Ilia’s Richard Mille deal, recognizing his success outside the cage. Aleksandre Topuria currently competes in the featherweight division. However, Sean O’Malley’s comments hint at a potential grudge fight against the Spaniard at bantamweight or a catchweight.

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Sean O’Malley reveals what he said to US President after impressive knockout

Sean O’Malley was doubtful about his career after back-to-back losses to Merab Dvalishvili, which hurt his standing in the division. He questioned whether he still belonged at the elite level. O’Malley said he believed he would have retired if he had not beaten Song Yadong at UFC 324 in January 2026. However, he won via unanimous decision, restoring momentum and pushing him back toward superstardom.

Sean O'Malley
Sean O’Malley (via UFC)

O’Malley was vocal about wanting to fight on the White House card and said he personally begged UFC CEO Dana White to be included once UFC Freedom 250 was announced. His request paid off after he scored a knockout win over Aiemann Zahabi on the historic card. After the fight, ‘Suga’ approached US President Donald Trump, seated octagon-side, and recently revealed what he said in their exchange.

I said, ‘Happy birthday, knocked out a Canadian for you’. I think that’s what I said people keep asking what I said and I am trying to recall. He said, ‘You should get the bonus.’

Sean O’Malley via The Ariel Helwani Show

Sean O’Malley’s White House performance shifted his momentum back into title contention after a difficult stretch. He has now turned his attention toward the bantamweight belt again, aiming to reclaim championship status. He called out Petr Yan for a rematch at UFC Freedom 250, though the Russian champion is currently sidelined with a lumbar injury and expected to return later this year.

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