“Sugar” Sean O’Malley made a strong statement at UFC 292, securing a second-round stoppage win against Aljamain Sterling to claim the UFC bantamweight title in the main event held in Boston.
During his post-fight press conference, O’Malley showcased his characteristic colorful personality by expressing his interest in a crossover fight against a notable knockout artist from the world of boxing. He specifically mentioned wanting to face lightweight boxing phenom Gervonta Davis 29-0, 27 KO).
O’Malley’s words were bold: “I wouldn’t mind knocking out Gervonta Davis, and I know people are going to say ‘I wanna be like Conor [McGregor].’ I’m telling you that fight is going to happen.”
He also mentioned his willingness to venture into boxing, stating, “I would love to [crossover to boxing]. He’s f—— this tall, dude. I would love to go out there and box him … I’ve never seen him in person … I feel like it could happen sooner than later but I also know that UFC is down to get behind stuff like that if it’s big enough and with that performance I think we’re getting close. But maybe I have to go out there and win a couple more fights, win another belt. I don’t even know if he’s considered a big enough star for the UFC to let that happen. But it’ll happen.”
Despite being in his prime at 28 years old, O’Malley is taking inspiration from fellow MMA fighters who have ventured into lucrative boxing matches. Notably, Nate Diaz recently challenged Jake Paul to a boxing match, and Francis Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, is set to make his boxing debut against WBC heavyweight titlist Tyson Fury.
Ryan Garcia, a prominent boxer, responded to O’Malley’s aspirations by cautioning him about entering the world of boxing: “Suga Sean you are good and all but stop talking about this ‘I’m going to box stuff.’ You’ll just get knocked out.” O’Malley didn’t shy away from the retort and quipped, “Like you did or different?”
Garcia, who suffered a knockout defeat at the hands of Gervonta Davis, emphasized the distinction between boxing and MMA: “Boxing and MMA are two different sports, and if you need a reminder let me know. I’ll gladly do a tune-up for my return fight.”
For boxing fans who aren’t familiar with O’Malley, he’s a rangy, fast, hard-punching stand-up UFC fighter whose making waves in MMA right now.
Both Davis and O’Malley are colorful personalities and have exciting styles. That fight would be huge from a financial perspective. However, O’Malley knocks out wrestlers while Davis knockouts skilled boxers.
Will UFC president allow the hottest fighter in MMA to step in the ring with a prime, elite-level boxer in Gervonta Davis?
And what about O’Malley against Ryan Garcia also?
Please share your thoughts below.