Sean O’Malley Snubs Jon Jones and Suggests Islam Makhachev to Share P4P Spot with Ilia Topuria

Former UFC champion Sean O'Malley puts Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev over Jon Jones in the pound-for-pound rankings.

Sean O’Malley Snubs Jon Jones and Suggests Islam Makhachev to Share P4P Spot with Ilia Topuria

Sean O'Malley talks about Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev over Jon Jones (via Imago)

The new generation of UFC fighters have shown superior skill levels when compared to several legends from the previous fighting era. Fighters like Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria are complete all-rounders, dominating both in striking exchanges and on the ground effortlessly. Both are on remarkable runs, currently ruling the UFC roster and even outshining legends like the arguably greatest ever, Jon Jones.

Jones is the current heavyweight champion and ranked second pound-for-pound, but has faced heavy criticism for his lack of activity. Makhachev holds the top P4P spot, maintaining dominance, while Topuria recently climbed to an impressive third position overall. However, in a recent SHAK MMA interview, former champion Sean O’Malley expressed a slightly different perspective on the rankings.

Ilia versus Islam was the fight that should have been done. Islam, he’s always fun to watch. Pound-for-pound number one, I think him and Ilia should be tied…..I’m curious to see Islam at 170. I don’t think he’s gonna look too small. It’s gonna be a good couple of scraps.

The last statement referred to Makhachev’s recent decision to move up and challenge Jack Della Maddalena for a second championship belt. In doing so, he vacated the lightweight title, creating an opportunity for Topuria and Charles Oliveira to fight for gold. However, the Georgian-Spanish fighter mocked Makhachev over this move, stirring controversy and igniting fresh tension between the two.

O’Malley also discussed the upcoming Topuria vs. Oliveira fight at UFC 317, stating both fighters have an equal chance to win. He expressed excitement for these super fights, a sentiment shared by fans eagerly anticipating action-packed showdowns between elite, well-rounded athletes. Meanwhile, Jones still hasn’t accepted Tom Aspinall’s challenge for a long-awaited and much-needed heavyweight title unification bout.

Recently, a public petition with over 100,000 signatures went viral, urging the UFC to strip Jones of his championship title. Despite the backlash, Jones appeared unbothered, enjoying his time in Thailand while subtly teasing fans about his potential fighting future. However, the ongoing delay has frustrated fans, and as O’Malley pointed out, it damaged Jones’ pound-for-pound standing significantly.

UFC veteran predicts Sean O’Malley to win at UFC 316

Sean O’Malley is currently scheduled to fight in a bantamweight title match with Merab Dvalishvili this weekend at UFC 316. For O’Malley, their first bout ended in disappointment, as he was dominated throughout and lost comprehensively. He has admitted that the loss haunts him deeply, and now he’s determined to avenge it by proving how much he’s evolved.

Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili prediction
Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili prediction (via MMA Fighting)

Despite his star power and striking skills, O’Malley enters UFC 316 as the clear underdog against Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and pressure. The Georgian’s dominance has been undeniable, with his cardio and wrestling overwhelming every opponent he’s faced in recent memory. However, according to former UFC title contender Dan Hardy, ‘Suga’ does have the skills to beat Dvalishvili this time.

Sean O’Malley needs to be proactive. Front kicks to the midsection are gonna be the obvious way for Sean O’Malley to open this. If he can do damage, he can sap the gas tank of Merab…You have to slow those kind of fighters down and damage them in ways that they kinda can’t psychologically deny.

Following the first loss, O’Malley changed his lifestyle completely and also underwent hip surgery to prepare for every possible scenario. Meanwhile, ‘The Machine’ remains fully confident, already looking past O’Malley and thinking about future contenders he may face soon.