All hopes not lost for Sean O’Malley as Team Khabib ready to run back Irish vs. Russian fight

Ali Abdelaziz has announced that Umar Nurmagomedov is ready to give O'Malley a title shot after beating new champ Merab Dvalishvili.

All hopes not lost for Sean O’Malley as Team Khabib ready to run back Irish vs. Russian fight

Umar Nurmagomedov will fight Sean O'Malley (Image via Imago)

Ali Abdelaziz has expressed strong confidence in the future of his fighter, Umar Nurmagomedov. Abdelaziz predicts that Umar, cousin of UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov, will soon claim the promotion’s bantamweight title, possibly in 2025. He also has a big opportunity in store for former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley. Here is what happened:

Ali Abdelaziz recently sat down for a conversation with ESPN. During the discussion, the MMA promoter expressed that he believes Umar Nurmagomedov will beat Merab Dvalishvili. After that, Umar would give Sean O’Malley a title shot coming off a loss.

I think Sean O’Malley is one of the biggest stars in the sport. This is a business about making money, and I think Sean O’Malley deserves a title shot coming off a loss.
Ali Abdelaziz on ESPN

Despite O’Malley suffering a loss to Dvalishvili at UFC 306, Abdelaziz argues that he remains one of the biggest draws for any future fight. In particular, Abdelaziz emphasized that UFC is about “hype and business” and that O’Malley’s flamboyant personality and popularity have significantly elevated the bantamweight division. 

Comparing O’Malley’s case to fighters like Frankie Edgar and Israel Adesanya, who received title shots after losses, Abdelaziz believes that O’Malley’s return to a championship fight would make sense. He also stated that, in a fight with O’Malley, “people care,” unlike other potential matchups, which may not generate as much excitement. However, he did insist that Nurmagomedov is ready to fight anyone the UFC puts in front of him.

Sean O’Malley is ready to take on Umar Nurmagomedov as Merab Dvalishvili has refused to

Sean O’Malley has stirred up attention by targeting both Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov. ‘Suga’ called out Dvalishvili for allegedly ducking a fight with Nurmagomedov. The newly crowned champion has previously refused to face Nurmagomedov, claiming that Umar has not faced top-tier competition. Dvalishvili believed other fighters like Deiveson Figueiredo deserved a title shot before Nurmagomedov.

Sean O'Malley ready to face Umar Nurmagomedov in place of Merab Dvalishvili
Sean O’Malley ready to face Umar Nurmagomedov in place of Merab Dvalishvili (Image via Imago)

O’Malley took offense to Dvalishvili’s stance and mocked him for avoiding the Dagestani fighter. Taking to YouTube, ‘Suga’ emphasized his own willingness to fight Nurmagomedov. O’Malley had previously mentioned Nurmagomedov as a potential fight, not particularly because he was a big draw, but simply because of his last name. ‘Suga’, with all the comparisons to Conor McGregor, wanted to recreate “The Russian vs. The Irish rematch.”

Merab’s f*cking terrified of Umar, doesn’t want to fight Umar….He’s not the champ, I’m the champ. I would fight Umar, I should fight Umar next for the belt. I’m the champ, I should defend my belt against Umar.
Sean O’Malley’s delusional rant on his YouTube channel
YouTube video

However, O’Malley’s callout comes at a complicated time. He is scheduled for surgery in October and expects to be out of action for 7 to 9 months. This extended hiatus pushes any potential title defense into mid-2025. That means his ambitions to fight Nurmagomedov—or reclaim the belt—will have to wait.