UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley is gearing up for a rematch with Marlon Vera at UFC 299, aiming to avenge his only MMA loss. Alongside his MMA commitments, O'Malley is exploring the possibility of a boxing match, signaling an openness to crossing over into the ring, similar to other fighters before him.
In conversations with prominent boxers like Ryan Garcia, discussions have escalated to the point where Garcia claimed he could knock out O’Malley in an MMA setting. However, any crossover fight requires approval from the UFC, as was the case with Conor McGregor's boxing bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr.
O'Malley believes a boxing match is feasible if it aligns with business interests and fan demand. He acknowledges the UFC’s tentative stance but notes that a high-revenue event could sway the organization. The success of such a crossover heavily depends on both O’Malley and potential boxing opponents continuing to elevate their star status to ensure the event's magnitude.
Known for his striking ability, O’Malley has secured most of his MMA victories by knockout, showcasing the potential for a competitive boxing match. As he prepares for his upcoming UFC title defense against Vera, O'Malley also reflects on the challenges of fame and success, citing Garcia's recent behavior as a cautionary tale.
The bantamweight champion’s immediate focus is on his fight with Vera in Miami, broadcast on ESPN+ pay-per-view. Following a decisive victory over Aljamain Sterling, this bout marks O'Malley’s first title defense as he balances aspirations within MMA and beyond.
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