In the age of the internet, anyone can go viral and achieve overnight fame through unexpected moments or actions. The same happened with Haliey Welch, popularly known as the ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl who became an internet sensation. Her sudden fame has led to her getting worldwide attention, especially from former UFC champion Sean O’Malley as well.
Sean O’Malley recently lost his bragging rights for being called the undisputed UFC bantamweight champion. He got dominated by Merab Dvalishvili on the biggest stage of his fighting career. However, this hasn’t affected O’Malley’s playful spirit. In a recent interview, the ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl mentioned that ‘Suga’ has DMed her multiple times.
What’s that fella’s name that’s been messaging me all week. The O’Malley boy. Dude he’s so nice. He just like, ‘What are you doing?’ I had like five missed calls.
Haliey Welch via her YouTube channel
After her video went viral on the internet, Haliey Welch was invited to various shows and podcasts. She made sure to capitalize on the hype and started her own podcast show by inviting influencers. It was an immediate hit in the U.S., competing with the top podcasts like the Joe Rogan Experience.
.@SugaSeanMMA was in @HalieyWelchX DMs 😂 pic.twitter.com/HLeAplZAoX
— Talk Tuah with Haliey Welch (@talktuahpod) October 23, 2024
Yoooo was on oxy IG live tryin call her lmao
— Sean O’Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) October 24, 2024
O’Malley quickly responded to the claims and agreed that he did try to call the ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl. According to the fighter, it was after his recent surgery, and he was on doses of oxytocin. O’Malley is quite popular amongst the top internet influencers and has collaborated with Jake Paul, Adin Ross, etc.
Sean O’Malley wants to title rematch in Miami
After his loss to Merab Dvalishvili, Sean O’Malley initially handled the defeat with composure. However, a few days later, his stance shifted. O’Malley claimed that he had won the fight and that the judges had unfairly denied him a deserved victory. In response, he called for a rematch, and Dvalishvili agreed to face him again in November.
However, due to his recent surgery, O’Malley couldn’t agree to the fight. The Arizona fighter also wanted to take a hiatus from fighting; however, that plan was dropped. In a recent interview, ‘Suga’ mentioned that he would like to fight Merab Dvalishvili in March or April in Miami.
Give me Miami, that’s what I want next. I want Merab next, I know I’m better than him… I need to right that wrong.
Sean O’Malley via The Ariel Helwani Show
Sean O’Malley wants to return in March/April in Miami to rematch Merab Dvalishvili for the title:
“I want Merab next, I know I’m better than him… I need to right that wrong.”
🎥 @arielhelwani #HelwaniShow #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/ZiufRfbdpN
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 14, 2024
Other than Sean O’Malley, top bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov also wanted to fight Merab Dvalishvili for the title. However, the Georgian’s dismissing attitude forced the Dagestani to take another fight before the year’s end. Going into the first half of 2025, it will be interesting to see who gets the title shot first.
