If Nurmagomedov becomes a star, that’s the fight I want

Sean O’Malley is open to preventing Umar Nurmagomedov – however as soon as it’s an enormous struggle.

Bantamweight champion O’Malley (17-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) was criticized for electing Marlon Vera (21-8-1 MMA, 15-7 UFC) as his first title protection, which headlines Saturday’s UFC 299 (pay-per-view, ESPNews, ESPN+) occasion at Kaseya Heart in Miami. O’Malley desires to avenge the lone lack of his profession which got here to Vera in August 2020.

O’Malley dismissed the notion he’s looking for simpler challenges. He acknowledged Nurmagomedov (17-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) is a stern take a look at, however prefers to attend till he builds his star energy extra.

“Folks assume I’m avoiding powerful fights,” O’Malley advised ESPN. “Umar might be the hardest struggle, and yeah, I’ve been bringing his identify up – but it surely additionally has to make sense. Umar isn’t a star in any respect. There’s potential to be a star/star – famous person. I consider I’m a famous person. I consider ‘Chito’ (Vera) is a star. I consider Umar is a possible famous person, actually as a result of he has the final identify Nurmagomedov. I’ve by no means watched the dude struggle. I’ve watched some highlights. He’s very expert. He trains at a very good gymnasium. His final identify is Nurmagomedov. He’s Russian. He has potential due to that.

“I lied – I believe I’ve watched him struggle some dude the place I believe he kneed him within the lips, so I’ve watched him struggle as soon as. I really feel like simply with the identify and the talent of the UFC with the ability to promote sure folks, and he comes from that gymnasium – Khabib (Nurmagomedov), I believe they practice collectively; he’ll in his nook. O’Malley – Irish … it’s there. There’s one thing there. If he can grow to be a star with that, that’s the struggle I would like, too. I don’t need simply the best struggle. I would like the largest struggle, and if I’ve two choices and one man I believe is a little bit bit higher of a problem, I’ll take that one.”

Nurmagomedov remained unbeaten when he outgrappled newcomer Bekzat Almakhan Saturday at UFC Fight Night 238. He referred to as for his struggle with Cory Sandhagen to be rebooked in hopes to earn a title shot.

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