Responsible for sharpening the promising jiu-jitsu Sean O'Malley, Augusto Tanquinho has nothing but praise for his pupil. Present in the athlete's preparation for the UFC 269, which takes place this Saturday (11), when the bantamweight (up to 61,2kg.) faces the Brazilian Raulian paiva, the coach spoke exclusively to YouTube channel do SUPER FIGHTS about the commitment. In addition to praising the fighter's talent, the coach commented on his coexistence with the star.
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This weekend, O'Malley will reach his third challenge in 2021. Undefeated this season, the fighter will have the tough task of overcoming Paiva, who arrived in the under-61,2kg division with morale.
Created character
With colorful hair and a provocative style in front of the cameras, Sean needed little time to become popular with Ultimate fans. Augusto, however, surprised by stating that what the athlete presents in interviews or social media does not reflect the bantamweight's personality behind the scenes.
“He is 100% different. Everyone talks about the guy, but he's a character. He saw that this is what works for him. He has a bit of that playful personality, but definitely when the camera is on, it comes out more. He's 'calm', if he's silly, he doesn't even talk much. Stay with him. He trains a lot, but there’s nothing braggadocious about him,” said Tanquinho.
O'Malley differential
Treated by the UFC like a jewel to be polished, Sean has gained fame with confident and convincing performances. Augusto, therefore, spoke about what makes the pupil treated as a promise for the future of the organization.
“He goes there and puts on a show. That's what the UFC wants. From the moment he was hired he was for the show, trying plastic movements. They are part of his arsenal. It's not a crazy thing. He trains a lot, he fights like that, forward, to knock out. He wants to entertain the public, he speaks very well. This helped a lot to attract more attention and he took advantage of every second of chance he had”, he guaranteed.
Beware of dazzle
At just 27 years old and with star status, Sean needs to be careful not to get lost in the midst of fame. Present in O'Malley's daily life, Augusto reassures the fighter's fans and sees his pupil focused on his career.
“Although again, he is surrounded by a lot of people. The family is very supportive and so are we, the coaches. When he was younger, (…) and he gained more prominence, we worked on this in his head. Nowadays, he is very calm. He doesn't have to be careful. (…) He has a team behind him, helping. He doesn't care. He wants to do his part. He knows there’s no point in talking and getting to the fight and not performing,” he said.
Fight against Raulian
To advance even further in the category that, today, has aljamain sterling (linear) and Petr yan (interim) as champions, Sean will have the tough commitment to overcome Raulian paiva. Tanquinho, therefore, analyzed the clash against the Brazilian, who debuted in the division with victory and leaving a good impression.
“We know that he (Raulian) is a tough, skilled boy. He can win too, both standing up and on the ground. We think he is very complete, he has a lot of heart, he goes for it. We think it will be a struggle going forward. We worry a lot about whether Suggar (O'Malley) is going to do his part. We're not too worried about Raulian. (…) It’s an MMA fight. Anything could happen. Sean is a striker and I believe that if he keeps the fight standing, it will be a knockout,” he concluded.
Sean's future
If you beat Paiva in the UFC 269, O'Malley will reach the mark of 15 victories in 16 challenges in mixed martial arts. If he wins, the athlete extends the good moment. Keeping an eye on the fighter's projection, Augusto talks about the student's future.
“If Sean gets there and does everything he is capable of doing, we are sure he can stay at the top of the rankings, if he is well physically, mentally, without injury. He is very skilled both on his feet and on the ground. He can beat anyone in the category, without a shadow of a doubt,” he concluded.
Athletes' history
Professional in MMA since 2015, Sean O'Malley is heading towards his 16th MMA challenge. Today, the fighter has 15 triumphs and one stumble.
In the sport for more than eight years, Raulian paiva can expand the good moment within the UFC. A former flyweight standout (up to 56,7kg), the Brazilian wants the fourth positive result in a row, the second among bantamweights. Today, Tupiniquim has 21 wins and three losses in the sport.
