UFC 292: Who is Sean O’Malley? Background, career, and record

The moment of truth has come for Sean O’Malley. The Montana native finally got what he was looking for, a chance of fighting for the bantamweight belt, which is currently owned by Aljamain Sterling.

Suga, without a doubt one of the most entertaining fighters not only in his division but in the whole UFC, is also one of the most charismatic representatives of the promotion due to his impressive display of power punches and kicks.

Although Sterling will go into the fight as the favorite to get his hand raised after their five-round fight, many believe O’Malley has the talent to avoid a grappling battle with Sterling by knocking him out.

Who’s ‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley?

Like many young prospects, O’Malley had no doubts about what he wanted to do for a living: becoming a PPV fighter in the UFC and winning the belt in the most important mixed martial arts company in the world.

All eyes were on him when he made his appearance during season two of Dana White’s Contender Series back in 2017. He quickly got the attention of the UFC president and the rest of the fighters after knocking out Alfred Khashakyan in the first round.

O’Malley, who made his debut in the UFC on December 1, 2017, defeated Terrion Ware by unanimous decision.

One of his best performances was against José Quiñónez in March 2020. Sean came back into the octagon successfully after two years away, knocking his opponent out in another first-round finish.

Only three months later, he came back into action to face Eddie Wineland and recorded one of his most impressive and famous knockdowns, as he sent him to sleep with an explosive, deadly right hand.

O’Malley not only wins his fights, but he does it in impressive style. He’s one of White’s best assets in the company and he has proven why.

He has earned seven total fight night bonuses in his career, three Fight of the Night bonuses, and four Performance of the Night bonuses.

Sean O’Malley’s toughest opponents

Although O’Malley looked invincible after his explosive performances, he met Chito Vera in the octagon in a fight that many considered as dangerous for the American due to Vera’s durability, and well-rounded and dangerous game.

Both met on August 15, 2020, at UFC 252. The Ecuadorian fighter defeated O’Malley via first-round TKO, finishing him with a flurry of strikes after dropping him with a calf kick.

Two years later, the 28-year-old talent fought Petr Yan. A victory would propel him to the top positions and establish him as a star in the UFC.

Although many saw the Russian fighter earning the victory, the judges declared the American the winner of the fight by split decision. O’Malley hurt Yan in the first round and cut him with a big knee in the third.

Sean O’Malley’s UFC record