Dana says Sean O'Malley isn't ready for ranked opponents: 'he's not Chimaev'

S. O'Malley (photo) has seven fights and one loss in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Since arriving in the UFC through the Contender Series in 2017, Sean O'Malley has attracted attention as one of the top prospects in the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg). Today, four years later, it is safe to say that the “hype” has not yet been justified. Despite having five wins and just one loss in the octagon, “Sugar” receives a lot of criticism for not facing ranked opponents.

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In recent months, O'Malley has been involved in controversies with big names in the division, such as Dominick Cruz e cody garbrandt. “Sugar’s” opponent next Saturday (11), however, is another unranked athlete: the Brazilian Raulian paiva, which comes from three consecutive victories. In an interview with “Barstool Sports”, Dana White spoke about the criticism directed at O'Malley and stated that the bantamweight “is not Khamzat Shimaev”, a welterweight fighter (up to 77 kg) who had a “lightning” rise in the organization.

“He’s not ready. You want to throw him to the wolves. You don't move someone that fast unless they're Khamzat Shimaev. Khamzat is a guy you feel comfortable rushing. O'Malley lost a few fights ago to Marlon Vera. He has a tough fight on Saturday. In the last fight he was incredible, he taught us a class. I think because he's so popular and everything, there will always be critics to talk shit about him,” said Dana.

According to the UFC president, the path taken by O'Malley so far in the organization is the correct path.

“He’s a tough kid, he’s fun, he’s exciting to watch. He is doing the path he is supposed to do. You don't take O'Malley and throw him at killers. That’s not how it works”, concluded Dana.

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