Sean O’Malley entered 2024 believing he may attain Conor McGregor’s stage of stardom. After UFC 306, that chance has all however light away.
O’Malley misplaced the bantamweight championship to Merab Dvalishvili this previous Saturday within the UFC 306 predominant 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 combat evening, he reacted to the loss Monday throughout an episode of his “TimboSugarShow” podcast with Tim Welch and mentioned he realized an essential 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 combat. He mentioned his efficiency had nothing to do with something aside from Dvalishvili being higher on the evening.
“Greatest weight minimize, felt good, no excuses,” O’Malley mentioned. “My mother, she’s like, ‘You simply weren’t the identical. Like, what was flawed?’ Nothing, I simply obtained beat. Everybody retains asking me like, ‘One thing appeared off, one thing appeared totally different, (you have 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 troublesome approach to finish the yr 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 most likely gained’t combat for 9 months, 10 months, possibly a yr,” O’Malley mentioned. “It’s gonna be some time. Individuals are gonna have to observe UFC with out the ‘Sugar Present’ for somewhat bit.”
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