Sean O’Malley is aiming for a title shot against the winner of the upcoming Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov fight, with hopes of a mid-2025 return following his recovery from surgery.
Sean O’Malley has his sights set on a title shot, regardless of who holds the bantamweight belt post-UFC 311. But, he’s got a favorite contender in mind.
At a pre-fight presser for RIZIN 49 this past Tuesday, O’Malley shared his New Year aspirations. He aims to reclaim the title he lost at UFC 306. That night didn’t go his way; Merab Dvalishvili snagged the win with a unanimous decision. Now, Dvalishvili’s gearing up to defend against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov on Jan. 18.
“Ideally, Merab beats Umar and I get the rematch,” O’Malley mused about his dream scenario. “But if Umar wins, it’ll be Umar. That’s what I want next is a title fight.”
“Hopefully mid-next year,” he added. “So the winner of that one. That fight’s coming up very, very soon.”
After falling to Dvalishvili in September, O’Malley revealed he fought with a torn labrum. Surgery’s on the horizon, sidelining him for a bit. Yet, he’s hinted at making a comeback mid-2025, especially if that title shot materializes.
Before Nurmagomedov was booked for January, Dvalishvili actually considered an immediate rematch with O’Malley. But the UFC had other plans—giving Nurmagomedov his first crack at becoming champion after a flawless 6-0 run in the promotion, including a victory over Cory Sandhagen.
O’Malley’s definitely keeping tabs on Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov as 2025 kicks off, eyeing the winner for a showdown later in the year.