“It is weird,” Sean O’Malley and coach on the hype around Umar Nurmagomedov for fight against Cory Sandhagen

Sean O'Malley is skeptical of Umar Nurmagomedov's hype ahead of fight with Cory Sandhagen.

“It is weird,” Sean O’Malley and coach on the hype around Umar Nurmagomedov for fight against Cory Sandhagen

Sean O'Malley speaks on Cory Sandhagen vs Umar Nurmagomedov (Image via: IMAGO)

Sean O’Malley is the champion of the most stacked division in the UFC – bantamweight. Merab Dvalishvili is likely next for O’Malley, but the UFC has already planned the contender to O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili – The winner of Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov. However, O’Malley doesn’t buy the hype around Nurmagomedov.

Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov is the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi on August 3. Though not officially announced, Sanhagen revealed the fight will determine the number one contender. Ali Abdelaziz, the manager of Nurmagomedov, had already picked Nurmagomedov to become champion in 2024. However, Sean O’Malley and his coach don’t think so.

It is weird. Umar's [Nurmagomedov] like, everyone just knows Umar's that good, but he hasn't really beaten anybody...You don't get much more skilled than Cory [Sandhagen] is right now.
Sean O’Malley via Timbo Sugarshow
YouTube video

Contrary to the opinion of Team Nurmagomedov, O’Malley’s manager, Tim Welch, didn’t think Nurmagomedov would walk through Sandhagen. Moreover, he even stated Sandhagen had a skillset on par with Ilia Topuria, the UFC’s featherweight champion.

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Sean O’Malley’s latest fight was at UFC 299, defending the bantamweight title against Marlon Vera in the main event. UFC 306 at the Las Vegas Sphere, against Dvalishvili, is likely next for “Suga.” Meanwhile, the next PPV is UFC 302, headlined by Islam Makachev vs. Dustin Poirier, and O’Malley excitingly awaits the event.

Related: Umar Nurmagomedov claims Cory Sandhagen is bigger challenge than champion Sean O’Malley

Sean O’Malley and coach previews UFC 302 co-main event

Paulo Costa vs. Sean Strickland is the co-main event of UFC 302. The middleweight matchup is shaping up to be an exciting fight, particularly due to the fighter’s hilarious interaction on social media. The victor might inch closer to a title shot but would likely have to fight again before a title shot.

Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa clash at UFC 302 co-main event
Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa clash at UFC 302 co-main event (via Imago)

Khmazat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker is the number one contender fight, officially announced by Dana White. Strickland is a sizeable favorite in the fight, but O’Malley and his coach don’t think the fight would go according to the oddsmaker’s prediction.

Paulo Costa vs. [Sean Strickland] Strickland is going to be interesting because Paulo Costa is so dangerous. He doesn't throw a lot of combos, but Strickland's going to pressure him. I'm curious if that's going to be five rounds...That's not an easy fight for either of them. That's a fu**ing banger.
Tim Welch via Timbo Sugarshow

Costa vs. Strickland is five rounds, which many think would favor the American. The victor would likely face the winner of Jared Cannonier vs. Nassourdine Imavov for a potential number-one contender fight. The next title fight at middleweight, though not announced, is between champion Dricus Du Plessis and ex-champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.

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