Sean O’Malley’s controversial win over Petr Yan left many confused with UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov certainly one of them.
Suga Sean got the biggest win of his career when he won by split decision against Yan at UFC 280.
While many agree that O’Malley put up a huge fight against the Russian, fans, analysts, and many in the MMA community believe ‘No Mercy’ should have been awarded the fight.
Khabib was backstage at the event as he awaited his protege Islam Makachev’s main event bout against Charles Oliveria.
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He was watching the O’Malley and Yan fight and his live reaction pretty much sums up the feelings of many toward the result.
The video shows Khabib and his team watching the fight, initially confused about how the bout even went to a split decision rather than being unanimous in Yan’s favour.
Then the room goes into complete shock when O’Malley is awarded the winner of the three-round fight.
Khabib exclaims: “How? How? No, how?
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“How is it possible, brother?
“I swear I gave him every round.
“It was close, but he won every round.”
The win means ‘Sugar’ is now being mentioned for the next bantamweight title fight, whilst Yan has now lost back-to-back fights by split decision.
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However, many in the MMA community believe that the decision was swayed by the UFC’s backing of O’Malley’s personality and character as one that can sell fights.
Spinnin Backfist reports that not one media outlet awarded O’Malley the fight.
Meanwhile, UFC fighter Chris Curtis tweeted: “Still really upset they sacrificed Petr Yan's career for the Alter of O'Malley. So disrespectful.”
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Combat sports analyst Luke Thomas said: “It was definitely a close fight, but that one seems a bit off to me.”
Henry Cejudo said: “Worst robbery in UFC history, I hope our sport doesn’t become boxing Dana White.”
One fan commented: “Nah that’s some bulls**t. Yan getting robbed to make O’Malley. F**k off.”
The result certainly surprised many, but the fact remains that O’Malley has only lost one fight so far in the UFC.
Topics: UFC, MMA, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Petr Yan
Jayden Collins