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The aftermath of UFC 292 keeps adding to the drama! How? Well, after Sean O’Malley claimed the Bantamweight title in exquisite style with a round 2 KO finish over reigning champ Aljamain Sterling, numerous UFC top guns have thrown down the gauntlet at the ‘Sugar,’ expecting a title shot against the new champ. However, ‘Aljo’ is still looking for retribution, as he recently vented out his wish for a rematch with O’Malley on X.

But ‘Sugar’ has already hinted at a potential move up in weight class to the featherweight division. So, it’s not quite clear as to what Sterling’s options are – if he wants a rematch. Amid all the buzz around ‘Sugar’s win and his recent hint at weight class change, yet another contender has voiced his challenge to O’Malley. Guess what? Featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski’s next potential rival, Ilia Topuria has embroiled himself in a heated online exchange with ‘Sugar.’ And now, there’s a new twist to the narrative!

Sean O’Malley hits back at Ilia Topuria’s bold callout

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It all started after Topuria sent out a bold callout to Alexander Volkanovski and Sean O’Malley. After the UFC Singapore Fight Night concluded with ‘The Korean Zombie’s retirement, ‘El Matador’ took to his X handle to challenge ‘The Great.’ In the same tweet, he advised ‘Sugar’ to keep rising up in the ranks and move up to the Featherweight class. 

 

Topuria seems interested in a fight against the new Bantamweight champ, but only after he beats ‘Volk’ at their next meeting. This insinuating remark did not sit well with UFC’s ‘Sugar’ and the duo is now embroiled in a full-blown back-and-forth on X. 

 

Moreover, ‘El Matador’s most recent X jibe at ‘Sugar’ has already met with a response from the Bantamweight champ. Taking to his X account, Sean O’Malley dismissed Topuria’s notions of him being an easy challenge. The Bantamweight champ declared: “Get through Volk and I’ll decide.”

Sean O’Malley envisions a two-division champ status for himself

During an exclusive interview with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s First Take post-UFC 292, O’Malley weighed in on his burgeoning stardom. He also shed light on some of the factors that could catapult it to greater heights. While he acknowledged the allure of achieving two-division success, O’Malley remained steadfast in his POV regarding Alexander Volkanovski.

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Yet, he highlighted a potential shift in his interest based on the Featherweight landscape.“Moving up a weight class [would help grow stardom]. But I’m not trying to fight Alexander Volkanovski,” O’Malley asserted. “Hopefully – he’s fighting Ilia Topuria. If Ilia goes out there and beats Volk – I would love to move up to 145 and fight Ilia.”

Read More: Watch: Snoop Dogg’s Message to New Bantamweight King Sean O’Malley Following His Electrifying Victory at UFC 292

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Moreover, for O’Malley – the prospect of pursuing ‘champ-champ’ status mirrors his aspiration to follow in the footsteps of Conor McGregor, an early role model in his MMA journey. So, as the feud simmers and Topuria’s showdown with Volkanovski looms, the Bantamweight champion’s trajectory could take an intriguing turn in the quest for supremacy. What do you think? Will fights fans get a major surprise in the form of a face-off between ‘Sugar’ and ‘El Matador’? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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