“The Russian vs The Irish rematch” – Sean O’Malley predicts fight against Umar Nurmagomedov to have similar hype as Conor vs Khabib

Sean O'Malley thinks he is one half of a potential Irish vs. Russian matchup. O'Malley thinks a future matchup with Umar Nurmagomedov remains possible.

“The Russian vs The Irish rematch” – Sean O’Malley predicts fight against Umar Nurmagomedov to have similar hype as Conor vs Khabib

Sean O'Malley thinks the Russian vs. Irish rematch could happen in the bantamweight division (Image via Imago)

Sean O’Malley, in a recent interview with Aaron Bronsteter of TSN, talked about his potential matchup with Umar Nurmagomedov. O’Malley would likely fight Marlon Vera in December. Sean O’Malley also explained the potential star status of Umar Nurmagomedov.

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor at UFC 229 still remains the highest-selling PPV of all time. Sean O’Malley believed his potential matchup with Umar Nurmagomedov could have the same impact. O’Malley referenced his Irish heritage as having an impact on the name value that Nurmagomedov has in the Middle East. O’Malley told Bronsteter, “I do think me versus Umar is a big fight if he can get through a fight. I don’t think its a good big fight cuz he’s a big name. It’s literally cuz he has that last name. The Russian vs. Irish rematch, Conor vs. Khabib. I think it’s a big fight down the line.”

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Umar Nurmagomedov was set to face Cory Sandhagen recently. However, he was replaced by Rob Font after the Russian suffered a shoulder injury. Sean O’Malley is fresh off a title fight win over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292. Nurmagomedov is undefeated in the UFC and MMA. O’Malley hoped to avenge the only loss of his career against Marlon Vera in a possible rematch.

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No specific timeline was given for a possible recovery of Nurmagomedov’s injury. Moreover, with Sean O’Malley looking at money fights ahead, the Russian might have to win a couple more fights to contend for the title.

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When UFC 229: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor broke all pay-per-view records

Conor McGregor Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor (Image Sources – The Newyork Times/ Irish Mirror)

UFC 229 still stands as the most-bought pay-per-view event in UFC history. The event gained popularity mainly because of Conor McGregor‘s superstardom and Nurmagomedov’s impact on the Middle East. The trash talk leading into the bout broke all unwritten norms that fighters follow.

McGregor targeted everything that Khabib Nurmagomedov is and ultimately paid the price. The Irishman’s trash talk angered the Russian fighter deeply. Nurmagomedov felt that the Irishman disrespected his faith, family, and country. It was the reason why the Russian jumped out of the cage to confront Dillon Danis, McGregor’s Jiu-Jitsu coach. The post-fight melee saw fighters from both parties get fined and suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Sean O’Malley is already calling his potential bout with Umar Nurmagomedov the second coming of Conor vs. Khabib. Sean O’Malley is known to be cordial and funny, and if a fight with the Russian bantamweight happens, the chances of anything disruptive happening are very low.

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