5 potential future opponents for Sean O'Malley after UFC 264

Images via Instagram @rob_font @sugaseanmma @chitoveraufc
Images via Instagram @rob_font @sugaseanmma @chitoveraufc

#4. Sean O'Malley vs. Marlon Vera 2

The lone loss on Sean O'Malley's record is to Marlon 'Chito' Vera. It was admittedly a somewhat strange fight, with O'Malley's leg appearing to essentially give up on him. However, Vera caused it with damaging low kicks and then jumped on O'Malley to finish the fight via ground and pound.

O'Malley has since claimed that he does not count the fight as a loss due to its peculiar nature. There is already a narrative between these two men. With Vera ranked at 13th in the division, it could well be the perfect stepping stone for either fighter to break into the top 10.

#3. Sean O'Malley vs. Cody Garbrandt

The first of Sean O'Malley's post-fight call-outs to be featured on this list is former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt. The callout makes sense in a lot of ways. Garbrandt is a big name, he loves to trade on the feet and he is coming off a loss.

Unfortunately, he appears to be leaning towards a move down to flyweight, possibly targeting a fight with former 125lb champion Deiveson Figueiredo. However, he has not had a fight at flyweight officially announced so there is still a chance the two will get matched up.

Both men have walk-off knockouts on their record and have some of the cleanest striking in the division. This matchup is arguably the most fan-friendly out of the whole list and would be an incredibly intriguing veteran vs prospect competition.

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