Sean O’Malley underwent surgery earlier this week to repair damage sustained in the build-up to his title fight with Merab Dvalishvili. This was atop the UFC 306 card last month, which left him without a title belt. O’Malley pulled several stunts after his loss last month. But the pain of surgery bitterly subdued even ‘Sweet as Suga.’ Consequently, he had a viral way out!
There is no word yet on when O’Malley will return to the Octagon. A dream encounter against resurgent ex-champion Jose Aldo can happen in 2025. Additionally, Merab Dvalishvili will make his first division title defense. Meanwhile ‘Suga Show’ did something worse than mounding up on some sugar. He got high on OxyContin and accidentally went live on Twitch!
First off I wanna say, I didn’t take any pain pills — I didn’t even go to sleep, …They did the surgery, I was wide awake. It hurt a little bit, I’m not gonna lie. Whoa dude I feel like I’m peaking. Alright Twitch fam … we’re here, we’re there, we’re everywhere.
Sean O’Malley Live on Twitch (twitch.tv: @SugaSeanOmalley)
Sean O’Malley told popular streamer Adin Ross that he needed surgery on his hip cartilage (labrum). The fighter was to go under the knife on the 3rd of this month, which he did. Now, O’Malley’s Oxy-induced Twitch stream procedure has garnered severe backlash on chat boards, especially in light of his recent loss. Some have billed it as ‘the dumbest thing’ he has ever done, yet,
Sean O’Malley went live on pain meds right after his surgery and made Adin Ross freestyle 😭 pic.twitter.com/cFLr1fumVX
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) October 4, 2024
Clearly, they missed the emo rage mode or the stem cells injecting needles in the extremities to enhance girth and mobility. The good news is that viral O’Malley will still be eligible for an immediate title shot upon his return. Umar Nurmagomedov has also agreed to give him a shot off a loss. That is only if the ‘Young Eagle’ wins the title.
Merab Dvalishvili propose matchups; Sean O’Malley’s title shot gets more barrages
Umar Nurmagomedov, the number two contender for the bantamweight title, wants to fight Merab Dvalishvili for the 135-pound strap. The feeling might not be as mutual when the newly-crowned “Machine” makes his first division.
Instead, Dvalishvili calls for a bantamweight showdown against #5 ranked Deiveson Figueiredo. A win over Figgy means the Georgian fighter will have defeated five former world champions in a row. The former flyweight champion moved up to 135lbs after losing back-to-back fights to Brandon Moreno.
Figgy is also ziggy with the idea of taking his streak to a title shot next. Nurmagomedov is a month and a few removed from his unanimous victory over #4 ranked Cory Sandhagen and is a perfect 18-0. However, the Georgian says Figgy and his wins over more ranked opponents excite him more.
[Figueiredo] this fight excites me, gives me motivation, makes me work hard. Umar … is okay but I’m telling you guys, from the Top 15, he only win one fight. Maybe [Umar should fight] against Petr Yan…
Merab Dvalishvili during UFC 306 PPV post-fight conference interviews (H/T: SBNation Network)
Petr Yan is ranked #3 at bantamweight. But he has lost three of his last four fights. However, brass threw a wrench into his No. 1 contender scrap spectacle. Yan vs. ex-flyweight titleholder Deiveson Figueiredo is now a thing on November 23, 2024. With a win, Figgy would more than be undeniable for a shot at gold. He is already 3-0 with wins over Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt, and Marlon Vera.
Look for the matchmakers to sort through some of the 135 lbs clutter and make a decision in the next few weeks. With the champ back on skits and ‘Suga’ on an Oxy high, it’s convoluted as ever. With where the belt lands next, it really is just anyone’s game.
