Sean O’Malley is here to stay as the bantamweight champion. At UFC 299, he defeated and avenged his sole defeat, Marlon Vera. And after the fight, he did not waste any time and called out, Ilia Topuria and hinted at facing Merab Dvalishvili. In addition, he also drew an intriguing Conor McGregor analogy.

In the past, O’Malley has been compared to the Irishman and the champion welcomes such a comparison. So, what is that he is eyeing about McGregor following his first title defense? Let’s wait no further and find out.

Sean O’Malley takes inspiration from Conor McGregor

O’Malley is interested in moving up in weight class to fight Ilia Topuria. Not many champions usually resort to that, especially after just winning a title. However, McGregor is one such outlier who has moved up in multiple weight classes. Drawing inspiration from it, the champion claims that he is not looking out for title defenses.

He said, “The belt is cool. But once when you get to a certain point where you can main event and just the kind of fight, you know, look Conor was 45-pound champion fighting on Nate like I want to.” 

A fight with the featherweight champion is going to be a spectacle. It is clear as day that O’Malley wants this fight but it is also subject to whether the featherweight champion would want to entertain it. Let’s find out.

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Ilia Topuria responds to O’Malley’s callout

According to Topuria, it is premature for the bantamweight champion to move up in weight division. He suggests he face Merab Dvalishvili first and upon beating him move up in the weight division to challenge him. While congratulating them on his win, X., the featherweight champion said, “Suga, congrats. Was a beautiful performance! There is a fight chasing you with Merab. Get that done first.”

It bears mention that Topuria has not disregarded the possibility of this match-up. However, the likelihood of this matchup taking is less given their weight disparity. But the sport of MMA has proven to be unpredictable and one cannot simply predict.

Read more: Three Reasons Why Ilia Topuria Dreams to End Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Undefeated Streak

Read more: Sean O’Malley Eyes Conor McGregor-Like Status as Dana White Handed Ilia Topuria Fight Request