Sean O’Malley Backs Dana White’s Statements from Recent Anti-Trust Lawsuit Hearings

Sean O’Malley weighs in on Dana White’s testimony before Judge Boulware regarding the UFC’s matchmaking and deal-making tactics.

Sean O’Malley Backs Dana White’s Statements from Recent Anti-Trust Lawsuit Hearings

Sean O'Malley shares his stance on dealing with Dana White (via X)

Sean O’Malley earned his ticket to the UFC by impressing on Dana White‘s Contender Series in 2017. The UFC CEO was thrilled by O’Malley’s knockout power and personality and decided to back him strongly. Since then, ‘Suga’ became a bantamweight champion and has definitely understood the business side of the company very well.

Recently, Dana White revealed during his Anti-Trust confession on February 5th that he is not involved in matchmaking or contract negotiations anymore. According to White, when Endeavor Group Holdings bought UFC in 2016 for $4.4 billion, Hunter Campbell and others generally took over those responsibilities.

These revelations have started an ongoing debate about White’s exact role and influence within the UFC organization. O’Malley recently discussed this situation in detail and shared his personal contract negotiation story with fans.

Yeah, I’ve never dealt with Dana. I’ve only dealt with first for a long time Sean Shelby and then I started dealing with Hunter. I’m not really surprised but I guess it’s surprising for fans to hear. I’m sure he has something to do with matchmaking, at least an opinion. He’s (expletive) Dana goddamn White.

Sean O’Malley via his YouTube 

Sean O’Malley has often been accused by critics of receiving special Dana White privilege throughout his UFC career. Many fans claimed White pushed him quickly toward a title shot ahead of other deserving bantamweight contenders. Some also argued that UFC strategically built him up as the next Conor McGregor figure.

O’Malley was given the responsibility to headline one of the most iconic events, UFC Noche in 2024. At that event, he lost his bantamweight belt to Merab Dvalishvili in dominant fashion inside the Octagon. In the immediate rematch against the Georgian contender, O’Malley once again suffered a decisive defeat at UFC 316.

Fans and several top bantamweight contenders heavily criticized his immediate rematch opportunity. Sean O’Malley later admitted he tried to replicate McGregor’s superstardom but ultimately failed.  Recently, he rebounded from his two-fight losing streak impressively by defeating Song Yadong at UFC 324 in dominant fashion. Now, O’Malley is hunting another title opportunity against old rival Petr Yan.

Sean O’Malley speaks on potential Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili title rematch 

At UFC 323, Petr Yan shocked the MMA world by defeating Merab Dvalishvili and reclaiming the bantamweight championship for a second time. Against all odds, the resilient Russian overcame relentless pressure from Dvalishvili, snapping his dominant streak spectacularly.

Sean O'Malley talks about Merab Dvalishvili vs. Petr Yan rematch
Sean O’Malley talks about Merab Dvalishvili vs. Petr Yan rematch (via X)

The victory also served as redemption, as Yan avenged his previous loss and silenced critics who doubted his resurgence. Following that monumental triumph, Yan underwent back surgery, temporarily stepping away from competition to focus fully on recovery.

Despite the setback, the two-time champion has remained vocal about his determination to return stronger. Eager for action, Petr Yan has declared he is ready to fight anyone the UFC places across. However, according to Sean O’Malley, the Russian should chase other fights rather than fighting Merab Dvalishvili again. 

I hate the idea of Petr coming off back surgery and fighting Merab. You’re gonna fight Merab within a year after back surgery? It sounds like a terrible mistake. I’m not gonna go out there and try to shoot and wrestle him. 

Sean O’Malley continued.

After undergoing hip surgery, Sean O’Malley returned to face Merab Dvalishvili in a high-stakes rematch but struggled significantly throughout the fight. Nevertheless, O’Malley believes he still deserves another title opportunity and has openly called for a rematch against Petr Yan next.

Meanwhile, Umar Nurmagomedov has confidently inserted himself into the bantamweight title conversation following his last win. With multiple contenders making strong cases, it will be fascinating to see who ultimately secures the next title shot.

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