Should Sean O’Malley Move Up to the Featherweight Division?

Sean O’Malley has failed to conquer the UFC bantamweight mountain that is champ Merab Dvalishvili and may now be climbing the weight ladder instead.

What’s Next? 

Thirty-year-old Sean O’Malley is an American former UFC bantamweight champion. The native of Helena, Montana, is currently the top-ranked contender in the division, despite losing twice in succession to champ Merab Dvalishvili. Those defeats came via submission in the third round (UFC 316 in Newark, N.J.) and previously via unanimous decision (UFC 306 in Las Vegas).

Take away Dvalishvili and O’Malley had won six bouts in a row (a ‘no contest’ in between).

There’s been much speculation about whether O’Malley, at 5-foot-11, one of the taller fighters among bantamweights, would be wise to pack on 10 pounds (135 to 145) and try his luck as a featherweight.  

While O’Malley remains a popular wagering proposition in UFC fights odds, fans are awaiting his next move. 

He’s after another title shot against Dvalishvili, but it’s a fair point to ask whether he has to wait his turn. With nothing but props to the champion (‘He’s on a crazy streak right now, the greatest bantamweight of all time’), O’Malley is seemingly desirous of one more crack at Dvalishvili.  

Probably some ego and/or hubris on the part of O’Malley, who has said he has his next opponent in mind. UFC boss Dana White hasn’t divulged a future Malley bout, regardless of weight class.

Here’s a primer on Sean O’Malley, one of the more intriguing figures on the UFC schedule…    

How Many Times Has Sean O’Malley Lost?

Three, to go along with 18 wins (one ‘no contest’) on his resume. Those defeats have come against bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili (twice, see above) as well as Marlon Vera (UFC 252 in 2020). O’Malley’s UFC fights have been anxiously awaited by those with or without a monetary interest in the outcome,

What Is Sean O’Malley’s Full Name?

Sean Daniel (‘Suga’) O’Malley was born on October 24, 1994, in Helena, Montana.

As his career has progressed, he has become a popular figure in the mixed martial arts community while also someone with a legion of supporters when it comes to  UFC fight odds. 

Does BetUS Offer Constant Updates on UFC Fights Betting Lines?

While UFC news is the place to see who’s fighting whom, BetUS is the go-to site to find the latest UFC fights betting odds ahead of every numbered event, as well as any Fight Night program. 

Looking at the board as of this mid-June writing, there’s UFC 317 later this month in Las Vegas, 

where Ilia Topuria is a solid (-417) choice over Charles Oliveira (+320) to win the vacant lightweight title. There are also some ‘future’ odds leading to UFC 318 (July in New Orleans) and UFC 319 (August in Chicago). 

Remember any and all odds are fluid, thus subject to change.  

Any Final Thoughts?

Does the business card say ‘bantamweight’ or ‘featherweight ’? Those who pay attention to all the news and UFC rumors know the tale of Sean O’Malley. Whether he remains at his current level or tries the next class on the ladder (that’s the path endorsed by former UFC middleweight champ Luke Rockhold), O’Malley is one of the marquee performers in the sport.

Those who wager on UFC would be wise to bookmark BetUS to find the latest odds.