Sean O’Malley is poised to become the UFC’s biggest superstar, potentially surpassing Conor McGregor, as he prepares to headline UFC 306 and defend his bantamweight title against Merab Dvalishvili, while McGregor’s return remains uncertain after a prolonged absence due to injury.
Sean O’Malley is eagerly waiting for his chance to rise to the top of the UFC hierarchy. He plans to dethrone Conor McGregor as the biggest superstar in the company sooner rather than later.
As he gears up to headline the historic UFC 306 card at Sphere in Las Vegas, O’Malley knows all eyes will be on him this Saturday night. UFC CEO Dana White has emphasized that this event, which cost over $20 million to produce, is a one-time affair.
O’Malley’s popularity has skyrocketed since his viral performance on The Contender Series. Over the past few years, he has continued to grow and evolve as a fan favorite.
Meanwhile, McGregor hasn’t fought in over three years after breaking his leg in his last fight. No official word yet on when he might return, but early 2025 seems likely.
O’Malley acknowledges that McGregor is still the biggest draw in the UFC. However, he believes that could change with one more bad result for McGregor.
“I think I’m very close,” O’Malley said at UFC 306 media day. “Conor’s got one more big fight because of the big question mark — can he beat [Michael] Chandler? So I think Conor’s got one more huge fight.”
With a 1-3 record in his past four fights and long periods of inactivity, McGregor has much to prove when he returns. Add to that, he’s also 36 now; youth isn’t on his side anymore.
O’Malley wonders if another loss would be the final nail in McGregor’s coffin as the biggest superstar in UFC. “If he goes out there and loses his next fight, it will be like six in a row,” O’Malley said.
“It’s got to die down eventually. Maybe not. That just tests how big of a star he is, but I would assume he goes out there, he loses, I’m there. I’m the guy. I’m the No. 1.”
When it comes to overall appeal with fans, O’Malley didn’t hold back about his availability to stay active versus McGregor’s limited fights since 2016. During that same time span, O’Malley is preparing for his 16th professional fight with his third title bout scheduled within the past 13 months.
“I bring fights,” O’Malley said. “I fight. Often. That’s what it is right now.”
“Conor was good on the mic — the accent, the words he chose — very good on the mic. Performances? He had a couple good ones, but I’m just consistent right now. I’m fighting a lot. That’s what I bring.”
O’Malley hopes to deliver another jaw-dropping performance on Saturday in his second defense of his UFC bantamweight title against Merab Dvalishvili.
The colorful champion has promised a stunning finish to further cement his status as perhaps the new face of the UFC.
“It could be first [round], could be second,” O’Malley predicted for his finish at UFC 306. “I could knock out Merab first, second, third, fourth or fifth. But I am leaning towards the second a little bit.”