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Sean O’Malley finally captured the bantamweight gold at UFC 292. He has since become more popular than he’s ever been among fans. This has led to people asking if he has become the next Conor McGregor of the UFC. However, he has all the respect for the former double champion. But there is one aspect that he wants to overtake McGregor in.

Aljamain Sterling is arguably one of the best bantamweights ever in the UFC. Many people were counting on him to retain the championship. However, a second-round knockout saw ‘Suga’ prove his critics wrong and perhaps signal the beginning of becoming the biggest UFC star in the process. But he had no hard feelings for Conor McGregor when people started comparing the two.

Sean O’Malley wanted to be as big as Conor McGregor initially

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In a recent interview with ‘TMZ’, the bantamweight champion revealed his thoughts after people started to compare him with Conor McGregor. Sean O’Malley stated that he had always wished to be as big a star as ‘The Notorious.’ This was his aim even before he joined Dana White‘s promotion. Suga said, “You can watch interviews before I was even in the UFC or the Contender Series. I said I want to be as big as Conor.”

He also clarified the fact that he does not have any beef with McGregor. However, it is just about the level of stardom. The Irishman has set that level. “Obviously, nothing against Conor. That’s just kind of where the line’s at up there,” O’Malley added. the bantamweight champion also mentioned where his focus is at.

‘Suga’ is focused on surpassing McGregor

Sean O’Malley firmly believes that Conor McGregor is the greatest UFC fighter when it comes to the level of superstar he’s become over the years. So that’s why he is not trying to undermine the Irishman’s success. ‘Suga’ stated, “He’s the best one to ever do it. He’s the biggest one to ever do it. When I say I want to be bigger than Conor, it’s nothing against Conor.”

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Additionally, he also mentioned being a big fan of ‘The Notorious,’ like many other MMA fans. However, he is aiming to overtake that position and become an even bigger superstar in the UFC. I am probably the biggest Conor fan… that’s where the line’s at, and I wanna go above that,” Sean O’Malley said.

READ MORE: Sean O’Malley’s Tattoos: UFC Bantamweight Champ Adds to His Ink Collection With Stunning Face Tattoo, Fans React

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It is too early to say if the bantamweight champion will become as big as Conor McGregor. He has just won the title, and it might take a while and a few more championship fights before becoming as big as the former double champion. We will have to wait and see what lies in O’Malley’s future as fans look forward to him fighting some of the best fighters in the division.

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