What Do Sean O’Malley’s Tattoos Mean? Face, Chest, Arm Inks & More

Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley stands out among his peers with a vibrant personality and striking rainbow-colored hair. His charisma and gentle nature have made him a focus of both admiration and criticism, thus securing him an inevitable marketable status, bigger than most stars in the promotion.

His flamboyance is nowhere more evident than in the many tattoos he has on his body that serve as representations of who he is and what is important to him. As O’Malley gears up for redemption at UFC 316, fans are once again captivated, not just by his striking or rainbow hair, but by the messages written on his skin. So, what do they all mean? Let us take a deeper look into his personality by exploring the meanings of the many tattoos that ‘Suga’s got inked on his body.

Sean O’Malley’s ‘Champ’ and other face tattoos

Sean O’Malley has four tattoos on his face, with the latest being a “CHAMP MMXXIII” tattoo done in red ink, with a crown below it, to signify him becoming UFC bantamweight champion in 2023 after beating Aljamain Sterling via knockout (written in the Roman numerals MMXXIII; M= 1,000; X= 10 and I= 1).

The 29-year-old has his moniker ‘Suga’ tattooed above his right eyebrow, while he has a red heart with the words “LOVE” beside it. On the left side of his forehead, he has the word “Breathe” in reverse, to remind himself to breathe properly whenever he looks into the mirror. His final face tattoo is that of a five-pointed star below his left eye.

These aren’t just tattoos, they’re affirmations. Now, let’s take a look at another part of his canvas, his torso.

What is tattooed on Sean O’Malley’s chest

Dominating the space just below Sean O’Malley’s neck is a massive owl with outstretched wings, symbolizing wisdom and vigilance, qualities that serve him well in the ring. On the left side, near his ribs, fans spotted a new monochrome dragon design. But here’s the twist: some say this fierce creature now covers what used to be two tiny baby footprints, believed to be his daughter Elena’s.

And etched along the far-left side of his torso is the word Akicita. A powerful nod to the Lakota Sioux, it means “warrior.” Meanwhile, across his right torso is a tribute to greatness. The words “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” stretch across his side, paying homage to Muhammad Ali. It’s not just admiration, it’s alignment. After all, Sean O’Malley’s striking mirrors the exact philosophy!

Other tattoos on O’Malley’s body

Venture to the back and you’ll find pride inked into every inch. His upper left back bears the O’Malley family crest, a golden wild boar representing bravery and generosity. To the right? A four-leaf clover and “O’Malley” ribboned beneath it, a salute to his Irish roots.

On his arms, O’Malley displays a range of tattoos that reveal his personal philosophies and life experiences. His right bicep carries the words “Only God,” while the left completes the thought with “Can Judge Me,” a likely nod to his unconventional lifestyle and approach to life. A vibrant green mask adorned with vines and berries decorates his left shoulder and upper arm, adding a splash of color to his tattoo narrative. Meanwhile, the back of his right upper arm features two boxing gloves linked by a ribbon, symbolizing his deep commitment to combat sports.

His forearms are equally intriguing, with the inside of his left forearm featuring a whimsical collection of tattoos, including a rainbow, sun, hat, spectacles, and horseshoe. The outer right forearm showcases a hand with a snake wrapped around its wrist, reaching out to a bouquet, a striking image that invites interpretation. His right forearm’s inner side carries the word “FAMILY” in flowing cursive, underscoring his loyalty and love for those closest to him. To top it off, the letters “FREE” are boldly tattooed on his right fingers, hinting at his free-spirited nature.

As UFC 316 approaches, one thing’s certain: the tattoos remain, but the meaning might evolve. Will ‘Suga’ reclaim his story and retouch the “CHAMP” title with fresh glory once he gets his revenge against Merab Dvalishvili? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!