Sean O’Malley Sets Timeline for Potential Featherweight Move: “Would be Easier at 145”

Former champion Sean O'Malley talks about potential return to the Octagon in the featherweight division after back to back losses.

Sean O’Malley Sets Timeline for Potential Featherweight Move: “Would be Easier at 145”

Sean O'Malley talks about a potential move to featherweight (via Bloody Elbow)

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The main aim of UFC fighters has always been to win championship gold and attain superstar status in MMA. However, weight cuts are one of the most complex parts of any fighter’s training camp, as they require an individual to dehydrate themselves while making their body durable and strong. Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley recently spoke about a move up to the featherweight division.

O’Malley is a fighter in the UFC bantamweight division, which requires fighters to make the set weight of a maximum of 135 pounds. Ever since his second loss to champion Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316 in June 2025, O’Malley’s future in the division remains undecided. However, he recently spoke about a potential move to featherweight and his future at bantamweight.

There are still big fights for me at bantamweight. 145 will happen in the future, probably, most likely, but I still got work down at 135. It would be easier at 145, but we’re still getting it done at 135 in a healthy manner. We’re good for now.

Sean O’Malley via TMZ Sports

A move to featherweight may prove fruitful for ‘Suga’ as it opens new opportunities and maybe a title shot at a more comfortable weight. However, O’Malley believed that he had much more to do at bantamweight and wanted to improve himself to show a better version. He also spoke about how he was one of the most successful fighters to come out of Dana White’s Contender Series.

O’Malley’s move to featherweight may also open doors to a much-anticipated rematch against former bantamweight kingpin Aljamain Sterling. ‘Suga’ defeated Sterling at UFC 292 in 2023 to win the 135-pound championship via vicious second-round knockout. However, after the loss, Sterling moved up to 145 pounds and recently called out champion Alexander Volkanovski.

After his victory against Sterling, O’Malley defended his title once against Marlon Vera before losing it to Dvalishvili at UFC 306. After losing a second time against the champion, ‘Suga’ recently revealed that he was going on a break from fighting. The UFC superstar believed that he needed to clear his mind and get back better than ever. It remains to be seen what is next for ‘The Suga Show’.

Fans react to Sean O’Malley’s plans to move up to featherweight

There is no doubt that ‘Suga’ is one of the most popular fighters on the internet. O’Malley had quickly become one of the most hyped fighters and elevated his star power. Unlike fighters who rely purely on aggression, O’Malley mixes cocky confidence with humor and sarcasm, delivering lines that entertain fans while frustrating opponents.

Sean O'Malley
Sean O’Malley (via MMA Fighting)

O’Malley’s interest in potentially moving to the featherweight division has fans divided. Some fans believe that there is nobody in the bantamweight top five that O’Malley can beat, whereas others want to see his rematch with Sterling at 145 pounds. Here are some fan reactions:

O’Malley is one of the most interesting and popular fighters to hold the belt. He garnered a lot of fans in his prime due to his quirky social media presence and fighting prowess in the Octagon. However, after his back-to-back losses to Dvalishvili, ‘Suga’ does not have an easy path back to championship gold.

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