Sean O’Malley entered 2024 believing he might attain Conor McGregor’s stage of stardom. After UFC 306, that chance has all however pale away.
O’Malley misplaced the bantamweight championship to Merab Dvalishvili this previous Saturday within the UFC 306 principal occasion at Sphere in Las Vegas. Over the course of 25 minutes, Dvalishvili principally imposed his will as he repeatedly took down and smothered O’Malley, en path to a unanimous resolution win.
Whereas O’Malley (18-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) declined to talk with reporters on battle night time, he reacted to the loss Monday throughout an episode of his “TimboSugarShow” podcast with Tim Welch and mentioned he discovered an necessary lesson that hit him instantly afterward.
“I feel it’s good to be assured in your abilities, however I overpromised, underdelivered,” O’Malley mentioned. “That was the very first thing that went by way of my head. Like, f*ck.”
To many observers, O’Malley appeared hesitant all through the battle. He mentioned his efficiency had nothing to do with something apart from Dvalishvili being higher on the night time.
“Finest weight lower, felt good, no excuses,” O’Malley mentioned. “My mother, she’s like, ‘You simply weren’t the identical. Like, what was mistaken?’ Nothing, I simply obtained beat. Everybody retains asking me like, ‘One thing appeared off, one thing appeared completely different, (you had been) flat-footed.’ There was zero excuses, nothing. …
“I felt like I obtained out-strengthed. I knew what to do in sure positions. He was simply stronger. I felt out-strengthed. I didn’t really feel too out-skilled, out-speed. Cardio was good.”
The loss was a tricky solution to finish the 12 months for O’Malley, whose reign as 135-pound champion got here to an finish after one simply title protection. With a lot consideration on UFC 306 given the distinctive nature of the occasion at Sphere, O’Malley had a golden alternative to stage up as a bona fide UFC star.
As a substitute, it’s again to the drafting board.
“I in all probability received’t battle for 9 months, 10 months, perhaps a 12 months,” O’Malley mentioned. “It’s gonna be some time. Individuals are gonna have to look at UFC with out the ‘Sugar Present’ for a little bit bit.”
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