MMA fighter Pedro Munhoz has expressed a desire for a rematch with Sean O’Malley, following a controversial end to their previous fight at UFC 276 due to an eye poke, and disagrees with O’Malley’s victory celebration given the fight was declared a no-contest.
Pedro Munhoz has a bone to pick with UFC 292 headliner Sean O’Malley, despite typically not keeping hard feelings after fights. The two had previously battled it out in UFC 276 last July, yet the much-anticipated fight concluded prematurely due to an eye poke which left Munhoz, a Brazilian fighter, unable to see. As a result, the fight was declared a no-contest. Although no winner was announced, O’Malley celebrated as though he had emerged victorious, an act which rankled Munhoz. He is now keen for a rematch, possibly even outside the professional fighting setting.
Munhoz didn’t mince words during the UFC 292 media day addressing O’Malley. He half-joked about an off-the-cuff desire to confront him at the hotel, though ultimately admitted he would never act on it. As a professional, husband and father, he remained committed to good conduct. He went on to critique O’Malley’s tendency for trash talk, confidently stating he would never let money or followers interfere with his integrity. He then acknowledged that everyone in the sport approaches things differently, including O’Malley.
Despite the evident tension, Munhoz commended O’Malley’s abilities which were on display in the brief minutes of their unfinished fight. However, he unreservedly expressed his dismay at O’Malley’s openhand style that led to the eye poke, calling it the only significant issue in his fighting approach. He openly shared his belief of winning the first round and regarded O’Malley as good fighter. Though not particularly fond of his online antics, he praised O’Malley’s fight against Petr Yan, noting his evident growth and toughness post that match.
Looking ahead at O’Malley’s chance to unseat Aljamain Sterling and grab the bantamweight champion title on the forthcoming Saturday, Munhoz abstained from predicting a win for O’Malley. Having clashed with both fighters, Munhoz is well acquainted with their skillset and would put his money on Sterling, who would be defending his belt for the fourth time. Regardless of the outcome of that fight, Munhoz expressed his desire for another round with O’Malley, be it for the UFC champion title or merely a bout among contenders. He also shared his anticipation for the upcoming fight, imploring it would be a thrill for the bantamweight division. As for fighting O’Malley again, he said he’d take the opportunity given the chance.