Featured Image Credit: Suga Sean O'Malley via YouTube
Topics: UFC, Sean O'Malley, MMA, UFC News
James Taylor
Topics: UFC, Sean O'Malley, MMA, UFC News
American bantamweight fighter Sean O'Malley has suggested that the UFC is refusing to make a title fight happen due to fears over what the potential result might be.
O'Malley, who made his UFC debut in 2017, rose through the bantamweight division before becoming champion in 2023, when he defeated Aljamain Sterling.
He then won his first title defence, beating Marlon Vera by unanimous decision.
However, O'Malley lost his crown in September 2024, when Merab Dvalishvili claimed the title by unanimous decision.
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The pair met again earlier this year in a rematch for the championship, but once again it was the Georgian who emerged victorious.
Now, the American has criticised the UFC by suggesting the promotion is too nervous to book a particular fight.
He claimed they will not schedule Arman Tsarukyan to face current UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.
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O'Malley said: "Arman is no f*****g joke.
"Arman versus Ilia is an interesting match-up, I do not think the UFC will make Arman versus Ilia because I think they love Ilia as a champion.
"He's a great champion and I don't think they really want Arman to become champion.
"He has a f*****g legitimate chance of beating Ilia, I can't believe I said it.
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"I think Ilia might knock him out, but if anyone has a chance of beating Ilia at 155 it's Arman."
Topuria, who is also a former featherweight champion, claimed the lightweight belt earlier this year, after knocking out Charles Oliveira.
Meanwhile, Tsarukyan has climbed the rankings and is now the UFC's top ranked fighter in the lightweight division.
Last weekend, the Armenian continued to build momentum by defeating Dan Hooker, via arm-triangle choke submission in the second round.
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After the victory, fans began to speculate about a potential title showdown with Topuria.
Tsarukyan added to the anticipation when he took to social media after the fight and wrote: "Respect to Dan Hooker for taking the fight.
"He has bigger balls than the champ of the division."
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Topuria is expected to return for the UFC's first card of 2026, but several names are in contention to be his opponent.
Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett have both been mentioned.
Gaethje has repeatedly said he will quit the UFC if he is not given a shot at the UFC lightweight belt next year.
That is despite having failed in previous title challenges against both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Oliveira.
Meanwhile, Pimblett has been locked in an ongoing verbal feud with Topuria.
'The Baddy' has confirmed he intends to return in 2026 and hopes to challenge the reigning lightweight champion.