“I don’t see a lot of guys able to beat him,” Sean O’Malley mentions unusual ‘legal stuff’ as reason for Cory Sandhagen fight not happening

Sean O’Malley has revealed the reason for the delay in his highly awaited match against Cory Sandhagen. O’Malley, who is preparing for his maiden championship defense against Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera at UFC 299, said in an interview that “legal stuff” concerns impede the fight with Sandhagen.

While discussing the bantamweight division setting, Sean O’Malley recognized Sandhagen’s exceptional abilities. He declared that the two would ultimately square off. However, he hinted at an unusual impediment, vaguely referring to “legal stuff” without offering specifics. This is what he had to say:

There is legal stuff that I can’t talk about but me and Cory [Sandhagen] are going to fight someday…Cory is going to stick around the top. He's very, very skilled. I don't see a lot of guys in the division being able to beat him other than me. I think Cory is a good dude too. I like Cory. That fight will happen someday.

Sean O’Malley via SHAK MMA

O’Malley’s admission adds to the intrigue surrounding the matter. This has led fans and the MMA industry to speculate on the nature of the legal difficulties impeding the possible showdown. O’Malley’s ambiguous statement raises eyebrows and piques interest.

O’Malley is preparing for his championship defense against Marlon Vera, hoping to avenge his sole career loss. Vera beat O’Malley via TKO in 2020, making the UFC 299 rematch a much-anticipated event.

Corey Sandhagen talks about why he was passed up for the title shot against Sean O’Malley

In an interview with the JAXXON PODCAST, Cory Sandhagen discussed getting snubbed for a title run against Sean O’Malley. Despite his triumph over Marlon Vera, Sandhagen accepts the decision and speculates on the variables that may have contributed to him missing out on the opportunity.

Sandhagen won over Vera and then defeated Rob Font. However, he admitted that his performance versus Font may not have been the most entertaining due to a torn tricep. He emphasized the significance the UFC placed on the excitement and marketability of a fighter’s most recent performances. This is what he had to say:

The whole thing where ‘you’re only as good as your last fight,’ I think is a very true thing – especially with how quick the UFC and just life in general moves. I think that your last one has to be big and it has to cause excitement and it has to do all of that.

Corey Sandhagen via the JAXXON Podcast

Sandhagen acknowledges that his torn triceps during the Font fight impacted the total excitement produced. He understood the UFC’s emphasis on the quality of the product a fighter produces.

In case you missed it:

• “Small man syndrome is real” – UFC 2024 first event loses important fight after HUGE weight miss from Manel Kape; fans react
• “Entire wardrobe is UFC attire” – Alex Pereira photographed with only UFC Venum shorts on the road has fans in splits

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW