Sean O'Malley may retire soon, explains former UFC champion.

Sean O'Malley may retire soon. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

Sean O'Malley He may be approaching a decisive moment in his MMA career. At 31 years old, the former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg) revealed that he is already thinking about retirement and made it clear that 2026 could mark the end of his journey in the octagon.

Even with total focus on their next match, against song yadong, at UFC 324O'Malley admitted that his plans go beyond just one fight. The confrontation, scheduled for January 24th in Las Vegas (USA), is seen as fundamental to putting 'Suga' back on the path to the title after two consecutive defeats.

In a recent conversation on his YouTube channel, O'Malley revealed that he is already planning a possible reunion with Petr yan, the current champion of the division. The two faced each other in 2022, when the American won by split decision, a result that paved the way for his first title shot.

“Honestly, I’m preparing for Petr as well. I know I can’t underestimate Song, and I’m not underestimating him. He’s dangerous, he has power in both hands, he’s fast. I’m focused on him, but I’m also preparing for what comes next. I’ll take care of Song, then Petr, and 2026 promises to be incredible. Maybe it will be ‘Suga’s’ last year,” O’Malley stated.

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Is Sean O'Malley retiring?

Despite his confident tone, the former champion made it clear that his future depends directly on his results inside the octagon. According to O'Malley, the margin for error has decreased, and further losses could hasten an early retirement from the sport.

“It’s almost pointless to try and predict what I want to do in the coming years. I need to think about one fight at a time. If I go in there and lose several times, it’s over for me. Ideally, I’ll beat Song, get the fight with Petr, and see what happens after that. Let’s see what life has in store for me,” he concluded.

O UFC 324 It takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and the main event will be the interim lightweight title fight between... Justin gaethje e Paddy Pimblett. For Sean O'MalleyThe event can represent much more than just another presentation; it could be the first step towards the final chapter of your career.