Cory Sandhagen calls for Sean O'Malley matchup, says he needs to 'earn his stripes'

Sean O'Malley appears set to face the winner of the UFC 288 title bout between Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo. However, there is a bantamweight contender who thinks 'Sugar' should face them before fighting for the belt.

Cory Sandhagen, who is set to face Marlon 'Chito' Vera in the main event of UFC on ESPN 43 this weekend, claimed that the No.2-ranked bantamweight has had an easy path to the top.

Speaking to MMA Fighting, 'The Sandman' stated:

"Why wouldn't they do me and O'Malley afterward? I can't really think of a reason the UFC wouldn't want to have that fight... That, on paper, will be one of the most exciting fights in the 135 division. A lot more exciting, in my opinion, than the Sterling and Cejudo matchup. I don't really know why they wouldn't do a fight with me and O'Malley. I think that's honestly what makes the most sense after this one."

Cory Sandhagen added:

"Earn your stripes a little bit. I haven't had an easy way to the top. O'Malley has had his fair share of easier opponents to the top... I think I'm the guy over him, but I know that a following matters. Outside of that, logistically on paper, to me, that's the fight that makes the most sense, especially since he's not even next in line right now."

Check out Cory Sandhagen's comments on Sean O'Malley below:

Sandhagen added that giving O'Malley a title opportunity is not deserved. The No.5-ranked bantamweight said he is hoping to get the UFC on board with a strong performance against No.3-ranked bantamweight Marlon 'Chito' Vera this weekend.

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'Sugar' Sean O'Malley says Kamaru Usman "f**ked up"

Kamaru Usman was unable to reclaim the welterweight title at UFC 286 as he lost to Leon Edwards via majority decision. Speaking on his podcast, BrOMalley, Sean O'Malley weighed in on the bout, stating:

"I'm like, imagine going into a fight with someone - just a scary motherf**ker, you don't know s**t about them, you just know theyre a bad motherf**ker - but now you're going into a fight with a motherf**ker and you're like, 'oh, he can hardly walk, his knees are so bad'. Imagine how it makes you feel - a lot different so I think he kind of f**ked up talking about how bad his knees are."

Check out Sean O'Malley's comments on Kamaru Usman below (starting at the 8:40 mark):

While there was speculation that Usman could retire following the loss, the former welterweight champion indicated that he would not walk away from the sport. It is unclear who he will face next.