Sean O’Malley, ‘Most Popular Guy’ in the UFC, Set To Explode: “Haters Don’t Have Any Kind of Buffer”

Sean O’Malley has been a constant target, more so after his controversial win against Petr Yan, for being favored by the UFC. But unlike most, Hall of Famer, Chael Sonnen believes there is no reason for criticizing O’Malley anymore. Especially after news of Henry Cejudo vs Aljamain Sterling fell out, Sonnen feels O’Malley has played his cards right by calling the former double champ out.

The 45-year-old talks about O’Malley’s rise in the rankings after his win against Yan and the Bantamweight title fight falling out due to Sterling’s injury. Sonnen’s commentary is more on how O’Malley has marketed himself as a top star while also navigating the tough matchups.

Chael Sonnen on Sean O’Malley’s meteoric rise up the rankings

O’Malley’s jump across the rankings after beating Petr Yan in a controversial decision, might not have settled well with everyone. Although Chael Sonnen believes the rank-up was unlike anything we have ever seen, he also feels O’Malley has shut down his doubters after his performance.

“Nobody had ever gone 10 spots overnight but particularly on the heels of a decision that had controversy. it’s a very unique spot and it’s very awesome because now the most popular guy has nothing stopping him. The haters now don’t have any kind of a buffer.” stated Sonnen, pointing out that the Yan fight should have shut down the doubters.

While talking about the Cejudo, and Sterling fight falling out, Sonnen talked about O’Malley finding himself in a possible fight with Cejudo. Undoubtedly, Suga promoting himself has led him to this sweet spot. A spot where he finds himself in line fighting for the title. Considering he has fought only a handful of high-ranked opponents, it’s a fast rise to the top for O’Malley. 

Overall, he has been a gift to the promotion, marketing himself quite successfully. His popularity has no doubt soared owing to his huge social media presence as well. One could imagine Dana White already counting the PPV numbers for a potential Sean O’Malley title fight in the future.

Chael Sonnen on Sean O’Malley calling out Henry Cejudo

Aljamain Sterling has shut down talks of a fight with Cejudo, at least for now, after disclosing a bicep injury. Following this O’Malley took the first step in the right direction by calling out Cejudo. Sonnen, clearly felt Suga took the right choice yet again in going after the former Olympian.

Talking about this he said. “But one of these guys is going to flinch and it’s outside of their control anyway. Which is why it was so smart tactically that Sean went right after Henry. Sean.. he’s looking to the board and going ‘I’m probably gonna get asked to fight Henry’.

The 45-year-old goes on to claim it’s a different scenario for Cejudo.  “But Henry hasn’t said okay yet, not that I’ve seen. And I’m just sharing that the mindset is a little bit different. It’s a little harder to get around the circumstances and the prize, it has changed.” Pointing out that Cejudo loses out on winning a possible title.

Watch This Story: Top 5: Best finishes by ‘FunkMaster’ Aljamain Sterling

Sonnen clearly sided with O’Malley’s side, even calling for a fight between the two.

“But who do you get on with it with? Do we look at Chito versus Sandhagen as the number one contender fight? Or do we try to find something that can trump that? Which in my estimation could only be Suga Sean versus Cejudo.”

Read More: Fans React as Sean O’Malley Joins Chito Vera in a Twitter Row Against ‘Weakest Champ’ Aljamain Sterling

Ultimately Sonnen made it clear that O’Malley has put himself in a great spot. Considering his win against Yan, which was followed by him getting ranked number one. Now he finds himself in a possible fight against Cejudo which could propel him into a title fight. Undoubtedly, O’Malley has been a promoter’s dream, as he goes on soaring in popularity while making all the right moves. Maybe Sonnen might be correct in his prediction, as we might see O’Malley explode into superstardom, eventually.