UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley’s trip to Japan has made a lasting impression. This week, O’Malley was a guest fighter at RIZIN 49: Decade. It was the promotion’s traditional New Year’s Eve show at Saitama Super Arena. It was O’Malley’s first time taking part in the annual extravaganza and the international media scrum after it.
Former UFC 135-champ and 2024’s Best ESPY Fighter Sean O’Malley is on a sabbatical. O’Malley told popular streamer Adin Ross that he needed surgery on his hip cartilage (labrum) after the year’s Noche UFC PPV. He is biding his time, hoping to return to title contention soon. “Suga” also iterated interest in a Japan fight at RIZIN 49: Decade post-fighter interviews
The production of the show was incredible, the energy in the arena was incredible, the ring girls are incredible, …Overall impression of Japan, this has been the most fun trip I’ve ever been on and I would love to come back…I plan to be with the UFC forever, so if the UFC comes here some day, I would love to fight in this arena. There’s a good energy here
Sean O’Malley to media scrum translators at RIZIN 49, for MMAFighting on SBN
The Saitama Super Arena is one of the most iconic venues in MMA, being home to some of the biggest events in Pride FC history. As such, the arena has a special place in the lore of MMA with a capacity of 37000. Now that he has experienced it firsthand at RIZIN 49: Decade, O’Malley is hoping to perform there one day.
The UFC has visited Japan nine times, with five of those events held in Saitama. But since a Fight Night event in 2017, the promotion hasn’t returned. However, promotional CEO Dana White appears to have a good relationship with RIZIN president Nobuyuki Sakakibara.
The two recently attended UFC 310 PPV together to watch former RIZIN FF champion Kai Asakura challenge Alexandre Pantoja. With White nudging future ties, O’Malley could get his chance. Other than that, he has a callout in store.
Petr Yan wants rematch with Sean O’Malley if not title shot
Petr Yan is looking to avenge one of his most notable losses if he doesn’t get his next title shot. Yan (18-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) earned his second straight win with a unanimous decision over former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Fight Night 248 in November. Now. it’s ‘No Mercy’ season on Sean O’Malley.
Sean O’Malley gets a callout from top UFC bantamweight (Source: X)UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili was so impressed with Yan’s performance that he called for him to defend his title against him next. However, as expected, the UFC opted to give Umar Nurmagomedov the next shot. Yan is interested in getting back on track with “Suga Show.”
I would lean towards a rematch with Sean O’Malley, but I don’t know what’s going on with him, …I really want five rounds, …I believe it should be a good main event or a featured bout on some big event. I think five rounds and it will be very interesting if it’s going to happen.
Petr Yan said on “The Ariel Helwani Show”
Sean O’Malley defeated him by a controversial split nod win in their Fight of the Night battle at UFC 280 in October 2022. Now, Yan seems like he has the current momentum for a lengthy affair against the former champ. However, O’Malley later stated his Dvalishvili matchup is the rematch he’ll be looking for.
So, the Russian bantamweight might have to wait a little bit longer. It comes on to the current champ Dvalishvili if he chooses between Yan or the former champ, should he win at UFC 311.
Stay Updated!
Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.
