Sean O’Malley, the current UFC bantamweight champion, believes he is on the brink of surpassing Conor McGregor as the biggest star in the UFC. With his upcoming title defense against Merab Dvalishvili in the main event of Noche UFC, O’Malley has high hopes for his future in the sport. The fact that he was chosen to headline such a significant event suggests that the promotion holds him in high regard. O’Malley sees a potential victory as a significant step towards narrowing the gap between himself and McGregor.
Conor McGregor, a former UFC champion, has undeniably been a major draw in the world of MMA. However, he has been out of action since July 2021 and is facing uncertainty regarding his return. O’Malley sees McGregor’s absence as an opportunity to step into the spotlight and establish himself as the next big star in the sport. While McGregor’s star power has been undeniable in the past, O’Malley believes that his consistency and activity in the octagon set him apart from McGregor’s sporadic appearances in recent years.
Comparing Their Careers
McGregor’s rise to stardom was swift and impactful, with multiple championship victories and a crossover boxing match against Floyd Mayweather. However, his inactivity in recent years has raised questions about his future in the sport. In contrast, O’Malley has been steadily climbing the ranks since his UFC debut in 2017, with his upcoming fight marking his eighth appearance in less than four years. O’Malley’s commitment to staying active and taking on tough opponents sets him apart from McGregor’s more selective approach to fighting.
Despite his aspirations for a potential boxing match in the future, O’Malley is currently focused on his MMA career and the challenges ahead. With names like Ilia Topuria, Max Holloway, Umar Nurmagomedov, and Deiveson Figueiredo on his radar, O’Malley has plenty of options for his next move in the octagon. While a boxing match may be in the cards down the line, O’Malley is determined to make a name for himself in the UFC first before considering other ventures.
Overall, Sean O’Malley’s claim of being on the verge of eclipsing Conor McGregor as the biggest star in the UFC is a bold statement. While McGregor’s impact on the sport cannot be denied, O’Malley’s consistent presence and willingness to take on all challengers set him apart from McGregor’s more sporadic appearances in recent years. Only time will tell if O’Malley can truly claim the title of the UFC’s biggest star, but his ambition and determination are certainly commendable.
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