UFC’s Superstar Crisis Highlighted by Sean O’Malley Ahead of White House Event

Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley talks about the lack of superstars for the upcoming UFC White House card.

UFC’s Superstar Crisis Highlighted by Sean O’Malley Ahead of White House Event

Sean O'Malley talks about the UFC White House event (via Bloody Elbow,X)

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The upcoming UFC White House event, scheduled for 2026, is generating scrutiny over its roster as the promotion works to finalize its fight card. UFC CEO Dana White has indicated that matchmaking will begin in early 2026. The event is planned with a potential for multiple title fights. Former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley recently weighed in on a potential problem for White ahead of the upcoming event.

Irish superstar and former champion Conor McGregor has expressed interest in a return, but no official bout is scheduled. UFC legend Jon Jones has also expressed his interest in returning for the event and also halted his retirement for the same. However, White has maintained that he cannot trust Jones due to the former two-division champion’s past uncertainties with important events.

Other potential headliners are also uncertain or absent due to personal or professional circumstances. Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is navigating off-octagon issues that could delay his return. Light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has indicated he will not participate in the June event in a cryptic post. These uncertainties set the stage for O’Malley’s recent comments about the event’s lack of star power.

White House card has to be massive Conor we don’t know, Jon Jones doesn’t sound like it’s gonna be him, ain’t gonna be Ilia, ain’t gonna be Pereira. Who’s the big name?

Sean O’Malley via YouTube

Interestingly, US President Donald Trump recently stated that the UFC White House event should feature at least eight to nine title fights to make it a true spectacle. That ambition faces obstacles, as multiple champions remain unavailable. UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall could be added to that list, as he has not yet received medical clearance following an eye injury.

O’Malley was once among the UFC’s fastest-rising stars after earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series. He captured the bantamweight title in relatively short order and became a central promotional figure. However, his star power declined following his title loss to Merab Dvalishvili. Since then, O’Malley has been working to reestablish his standing in the division.

Cory Sandhagen has already publicly called out ‘Suga’ for a potential matchup at the White House event. Such a bout would represent a high-level test against an elite contender. For Sean O’Malley, securing and winning that fight would be significant for rebuilding momentum. The matchup could play an essential role in restoring his profile as a marquee UFC star.

Sean O’Malley calls for a title shot at UFC White House

Sean O’Malley is currently on a two-fight losing streak and previously revealed plans to step away from competition. That hiatus has now ended, as he is scheduled to face Song Yadong at UFC 324. The bout represents an opportunity for O’Malley to halt his skid. A win would allow him to reestablish himself in the bantamweight win column.

Sean O'Malley wants to fight Petr Yan
Sean O’Malley wants to fight Petr Yan (via Fighters Only)

Doubts have surrounded O’Malley’s title prospects due to Merab Dvalishvili defeating him twice. Those concerns shifted after Petr Yan captured the bantamweight championship at UFC 323, resetting the division’s hierarchy. Yan’s return to the top reopened potential title pathways. ‘Suga’ has since positioned himself for a championship fight against Yan at the White House event.

When Petr beat Merab, I got a whole new level of just like, mental switch and hunger. I’m gonna go out there and beat Song and then me vs Petr at the White House. I just don’t see any other fight and I could be wrong, it just makes sense.

Sean O’Malley via YouTube

Sean O’Malley and Yan previously fought at UFC 280 before ‘Suga’ became champion. That matchup remains a reference point in discussions of a potential rematch. A second meeting would carry divisional significance given Yan’s title status. The fight would also serve as a defining moment in Sean O’Malley’s attempt to return to elite contention.

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