Sean O’Malley understands the UFC’s potential pecking order for the next title shot.
Former champion O’Malley (18-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC) is vying for another opportunity at the bantamweight title when he takes on Song Yadong (22-8-1 MMA, 11-3-1 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 324 (Paramount+) co-main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
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Despite coming off back-to-back title losses to Merab Dvalishvili (21-5 MMA, 14-3 UFC), O’Malley finds himself back in the title race after Petr Yan dethroned “The Machine” to claim the belt at UFC 323. However, if the UFC opts to give Dvalishvili the Yan trilogy next, O’Malley says it’s fair play.
“I wouldn’t even be mad if they gave Merab a rematch,” O’Malley told MMA Junkie Radio. “He had four title fights in one year – it’s insane. So if they do the Merab route, I’m not mad about it. He deserves it, to be honest. But I go out there, put on a performance, there’s a possibility I kind of jump in front of that.
“I’m just going out there looking to win. I get the job done, I’m happy. I’ll chill for six months, wait until they fight. Fight Petr if he wins. If Merab wins, I probably have to fight somebody else. But yeah, not too worried about what’s next because I’ve got such a f*cking hard challenge in front of me Saturday night.”
The new Paramount era means higher pay for the fighters, according to UFC CEO Dana White, who refused to clarify what those figures would look like. An increase in the standard $50K bonus is expected, and O’Malley gave his take on what he’d like the new figures to look like.
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“That’s a good question – I don’t know,” O’Malley said. “I mean, it’s at $50(,000) right now. $100(,000) would be great – doubling it would be great. But the UFC is a business. They’re going to do what they’re going to do. My job is to go out there and win the fight – ideally, in spectacular fashion.
“My biggest thing is, I work for the UFC. The UFC has given me everything I have so. I’m grateful for being in this position and been able to build a massive brand. The ‘Suga’ brand has been able to grow massive because of that. I’m team UFC, and I would love to make more money. I’m sure everybody you ask would love to make more money. I just kind of go with the flow.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Sean O’Malley OK if Merab Dvalishvili gets next UFC title shot
