UFC Risks Losing Another Superstar as Sean O’Malley Hints at Retirement after 2026

Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley hints at potential retirement in 2026 no matter the result of UFC 324.

UFC Risks Losing Another Superstar as Sean O’Malley Hints at Retirement after 2026

Sean O'Malley hints at 2026 retirement(via MMA Sucka)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Sean O’Malley was once viewed as the UFC’s next major and marketable superstar. Since Conor McGregor’s last fight in 2021, the promotion has lacked a stable global face. O’Malley’s popularity and personality made him appear to be the most viable option to fill that role.

However, recent setbacks have slowed that narrative, leading ‘Suga’ to address doubts about his long-term future. For the unversed, O’Malley officially entered the UFC after earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2017.

The Montana native secured the deal by knocking out Alfred Khashakyan in a performance that immediately brought him widespread attention. His most significant moment came at UFC 292 in August 2023 when he defeated longtime champion Aljamain Sterling to win the bantamweight championship.

However, O’Malley lost the bantamweight belt to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 in 2024. He later faced a submission loss in the rematch at UFC 316 in 2025 and went on an indefinite break from competition. The 31-year-old now returns to face Song Yadong at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, in Las Vegas.

With his standing changed, he recently addressed the possibility of retirement and spoke about his future in the sport.

That’s what’s next. I’m going to go out there, take care of Song, and that’s what’s next. It just makes sense. 2026 is about to be lit. I’m going to go out there, take care of Song, take care of Petr, DoingWell [O’Malley’s new business venture] is going to blow up. I’m going to retire. This might be the last ‘Suga’ year ever. It’s almost so pointless to predict what I want to do in the next five years, two years, three years. Take it one fight [at a time]. If I go out there and lose and lose, I’m done with this ****.

Sean O’Malley via YouTube

One of the most essential rivalries in O’Malley’s career has been his history with Petr Yan. O’Malley defeated Yan at UFC 280 in October 2022 via split decision, earning him a championship shot against Sterling and elevating him to main event status within the UFC. Yan recently reclaimed the bantamweight championship at UFC 323, keeping their shared competitive history relevant to O’Malley’s future plans.

Questions about O’Malley’s true drawing power followed him during his championship run. Sterling anticipated a major financial boost from PPV sales at UFC 292 due to ‘Suga’s presence and marketability. Sterling recently indicated that the earnings were underwhelming compared with original expectations for the card. These disclosures raised questions about whether O’Malley could serve as a dependable star for the UFC.

The company is preparing for a historic White House event scheduled for June 14, 2026, and the promotion is eager to load the card with title fights. Sean O’Malley has already called for a shot at the bantamweight title on that June platform if he defeats Song Yadong at UFC 324.

A victory would return him to the championship conversation and potentially restore his earlier superstar narrative within the organization.

Song Yadong criticizes Sean O’Malley’s antics at UFC 324 face-off

A significant part of Sean O’Malley’s star power has been built on his ability to trash-talk opponents during promotional events and media appearances. Another key factor has been his massive social media presence, which allows him to connect directly with fans and create buzz around his fights. Combined, these elements have helped O’Malley become one of the UFC’s most marketable personalities.

Sean O'Malley vs Song Yadong at UFC 324
Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong at UFC 324 (via Yahoo Sports)

The UFC 324 face-offs recently took place in Las Vegas as part of the official pre-fight promotional events. During the face-off with Song Yadong, O’Malley wore a mask that drew immediate attention and was considered provocative by many observers. Yadong recently criticised the mask and its implications, bringing the incident into the broader conversation about professionalism and cultural sensitivity.

Yeah, that was totally racist, I’m not happy with that. The Chinese didn’t like that. He wants to be the second Conor so I’m okay with that because it’s good for promotion. Whatever he does, I’m focused on my fight.

Song Yadong via Home Of Fight

The controversy surrounding the UFC 324 press conference has also sparked comparisons between Sean O’Malley and Conor McGregor regarding promotional style. Yadong’s comments referenced both fighters, noting that such antics have shaped perceptions of marketable athletes within the UFC. The incident underscored the balance between generating attention and maintaining respect in competition.

Also Read: