In the mid-summer of 2014, when Sean O’Malley was just a 19-year-old kid in Montana. He had just $2,000 to his name after he saved up from his job at a local support center for people with disabilities. But fast forward to September 2024, he returned to his hometown as a UFC champion who was about to defend his title for the second time. His stardom was only supposed to go up. In fact, in March 2024, Dana White confidently proclaimed Sean O’Malley’s star power during the UFC 299 post-fight press conference, saying, “He’s on his way (to being one of the biggest stars ever in the sport). Yeah, he’s on his way. He’s the biggest star ever in bantamweight history.”

At the time, it really looked like ‘Suga’ seemed destined for greatness, but it didn’t take much time for the narrative to flip. After losing his 135lbs crown to Merab Dvalishvili five months ago, the American has faced a series of setbacks. Now, Sean O’Malley is preparing for a chance at redemption.

According to UFC insider Daniel Cormier on YouTube, who seemingly called the matchup a done deal yesterday: “So Merab is gonna fight Sean O’Malley next, according to Dana White. Interested or do you think it’s going to be rinse and repeat?” he asked Ben Askren. The former UFC fighter was of the opinion that O’Malley versus Umar Nurmagomedov would have been more intriguing. But considering the Dagestani reportedly broke his hand while going against Dvalishvili, it might take him some time to return. On the other hand, the champ wants to stay active, so O’Malley would be the perfect one to face.

But this raises a critical question: Can ‘Suga’ overcome the relentless Georgian wrestling of Dvalishvili—a style that has become a dominant force in the UFC? This prowess was on full display when he shattered the undefeated 18-fight win streak of Umar Nurmagomedov.

Can the Montana native, who happens to be a striking specialist, reclaim his lost glory when he steps back into the Octagon in a few months? ‘DC’ doesn’t seem convinced. Speaking about this, Cormier issued a blunt warning for Sean O’Malley: “I think, unless Sean O’Malley makes some wholesale changes to his wrestling, to his grappling, to his defensive ability off of his back, it will be very very difficult.”

“Sean O’Malley needs to be in a wrestling gym to try to learn how to defend because if he can defend takedowns at the rate that Umar did…”

Interestingly, despite highlighting O’Malley’s striking-focused skill set, the UFC veteran acknowledged his superior “punching power”. This prompted Ben Askren to ask, “If Sean lost to Merab again, then where do you put him?” ‘DC’s’ response was blunt: “You’re screwed. He’s kind of in that same position as Jiri, bro. Jiri was like talking about how good, you know, he’s ready to fight Pereira again and I’m like ‘I don’t think I have seen many changes’.”

While Daniel Cormier and other insiders believe O’Malley is next in line to face Dvalishvili, not everyone shares the same opinion. A star UFC fighter turned podcaster duo has suggested a different path for ‘Suga’—one that doesn’t involve an immediate title shot. So, what are these alternative plans?

Sean O’Malley gets rejected as Merab Dvalishvili’s next opponent…

Former two-division champion Henry Cejudo doesn’t believe Sean O’Malley deserves an immediate rematch against Merab Dvalishvili. While the title fight between the American and the Georgian last September was competitive, with judges scoring it (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) in favor of ‘The Machine’, Cejudo dismissed the notion that it was a close contest. Meanwhile, Cejudo’s podcast co-host and former UFC welterweight champ

Kamaru Usman holds a slightly different view.

During their Pound 4 Pound podcast, Usman suggested that Sean O’Malley should take another fight to prove himself before being granted another title shot. “I don’t agree with what you said about Sean O’Malley,” Usman remarked.

“It’s because O’Malley has this star power and the potential to rule that division. I suggest getting him one fight—just one fight—because he’s still right there. Maybe he was hurt the night he fought for the title and lost it. So, I say let’s get him that one fight. If he gets through that fight, then he’s right there. Then, give him another title shot.”

‘The Nigerian Nightmare’s’ argument holds weight. Since his UFC debut, Sean O’Malley has established himself as a fan favorite, consistently drawing significant attention to his fights. His star power has often been compared to that of Conor McGregor. And this is something the Montana native has embraced. He has stated that he plans to surpass the Irishman and become the UFC’s biggest superstar.

What do you think about Daniel Cormier’s comments on the former bantamweight champ? Do you agree with the UFC veteran’s prediction for a potential Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili rematch? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!