Sean O’Malley Lost Focus Trying to Replicate Conor McGregor: “I Made That Too Personal”

Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley talks about losing his focus to be like superstar Conor McGregor.

Sean O’Malley Lost Focus Trying to Replicate Conor McGregor: “I Made That Too Personal”

Sean O'Malley talks about drawing influence from Conor McGregor (via Sportsbible, The US Sun)

There is no doubt that fighting prowess is the most critical skill required in the Octagon. However, outside the Octagon, a fighter’s charisma and ability to connect with fans improve their marketability. Former UFC double champ and superstar Conor McGregor is the perfect example of that. Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley recently spoke about getting influenced by the Irishman.

O’Malley recently spoke about his career trajectory in an interview with The MMA Lab on the ‘Between the Rounds’ podcast. ‘Suga’ discussed a variety of topics, including how McGregor’s career and charisma influenced his own. However, he also spoke about how the influence initially was successful, but over time, it made him lose focus in his title fights against Merab Dvalishvili.

It was at The Sphere. I felt like I had to create something and I didn’t like how that made me feel, in a sense, because I didn’t hate Merab I would have loved to knock him out. I feel like I made that one too personal, and I didn’t like that. But that kind of the only time I really forced anything. The ‘Chito’ beef I felt was real. I didn’t like that. That was a real one, but the Merab one, I feel like I forced a little bit. I feel like I lost, almost in a sense, where I wanted to be like Conor too much instead of being myself.

Sean O’Malley via The MMA Lab

O’Malley revealed that the McGregor way proved helpful to him in his rematch against Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera. He believed that the Irishman’s confidence and ‘Mystic Mac’ persona majorly influenced his style and practical mic skills. However, the strategy worked well initially but proved disastrous for the former champion, as it led him to stray from his own unique personality.

However, O’Malley has, on multiple instances, viewed McGregor as a role model and has credited the Irishman’s influence as a key factor in his stardom. Despite the respect and appreciation, the two former champions were involved in an intense rivalry that incorporated insults and allegations due to misunderstandings and heated back and forths.

O’Malley undoubtedly has a soft spot for McGregor and looked up to him as a role model. However, McGregor has been involved in multiple controversies since his last fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021, which many believe marked his final appearance in the Octagon. Nevertheless, for O’Malley, McGregor’s style and charisma acted as an inspiration that earned him championship gold.

The Irishman’s downfall in the Octagon serves as a cautionary tale for budding fighters, highlighting the risks of succumbing to success. Nevertheless, McGregor’s UFC career is sure to be an inspiring show for fighters who want to achieve superstar status while proving their mettle in the Octagon.

Sean O’Malley talks about spending more time with family

Sean O’Malley had quickly become one of the UFC’s biggest stars, blending a flashy striking style with a colorful personality that appeals to both hardcore fans and casual viewers. He is known for his precise counterpunching, creative footwork, and ability to finish fights spectacularly. However, ‘Suga’ recently highlighted the importance of family and revealed that he had ditched his bad habits.

The bantamweight star remained outspoken regarding his open relationship with his wife, Danya Gonzalez, and fulfils his duties as a father to their daughter Elena. However, he is also very close to his sister, Mashayla O’Malley, who is herself a practitioner of BJJ and a former state basketball champion.

Sean O'Malley family
Sean O’Malley family (via Reddit)

O’Malley recently spoke to the UFC and revealed that he had quit social media and smoking. He believed that he was too attached to his ‘Suga’ persona, which was detaching him from real life. However, he also revealed that he had set his priorities clear and wanted to spend more time with his family.

Everyone has a higher self and higher self guides them through life. I wanna dedicate everything I have to this sport because I truly believe that I could be one of the greatest of all time. My higher self guided me to more family time, less pointless sh*t.

Sean O’Malley via UFC

O’Malley’s family has had a significant impact on both his personal and professional lives. While he enjoys the spotlight as a fighter and performer, his wife and daughter offer him with stability and inspiration outside of the cage. This mix of family and popularity may be one of the fundamental aspects that allowed O’Malley to succeed in a sport where distractions may derail even the most gifted athletes.

Also Read: