Sean O’Malley, after a series of losses and contemplating retirement, secured a crucial victory in his recent fight, reigniting his confidence and aspirations for a future title fight.
Sean O’Malley never imagined losing a fight. His early career, both amateur and professional, felt like a dream. Even after his 2020 loss to Marlon “Chito” Vera, he blamed an injury rather than acknowledging defeat.
But losing his UFC bantamweight title to Merab Dvalishvili, then suffering an even harsher defeat in their rematch, forced him to rethink everything. Ahead of his UFC 324 return, O’Malley found himself at a crossroads.
“I never lost, even as an amateur,” O’Malley told About Last Fight after his victory. “I took winning for granted. Every fight, I’d be planning the after-party.”
His recent win brought overwhelming relief. “My lungs hurt from screaming,” he confessed, acknowledging how much he’d missed that victorious feeling.
Before the fight, he considered the possibility of his career ending if he lost again. Was 2026 the end of the road? The thought was terrifying.
“Realistically, you never know,” O’Malley mused. “If I’d lost, maybe I’d have said, ‘F’ this. These weight cuts suck.” Retirement loomed as a real option.
The idea scared him. “How bad do I really want this?” he questioned. His performance against Petr Yan had given him answers, proving he still had the drive.
His fight with Song was tense, needing a third-round win to secure victory. O’Malley delivered, performing his best in those crucial minutes.
Back in the win column, he’s hopeful for a title fight in 2026. “I was coming off two losses,” he said. “I couldn’t lose again. There was pressure, but I managed it.”
And now, with renewed confidence, O’Malley looks to the future.