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While Sean O'Malley's return to the octagon has not been announced, the bantamweight division continues to be at the forefront of the UFC. The No.2-ranked bantamweight weighed in on Cory Sandhagen's ability to dominate Marlon Vera at UFC San Antonio this weekend.
Speaking on his podcast, TimboSugarShow, 'Sugar' stated:
"I think Cory just outclassed him. I do think the big cage - it's like if you're playing a basketball game and you're like, 'well, let's just play half-court.' That's pretty much the difference between the small cage and the big cage. It's 40 percent bigger, so it's like a different playing ground that you're playing with. I think it would have favored 'Chito' a lot more in the smaller cage."
Sean O'Malley continued:
"I don't think anything was wrong with 'Chito'. I think Cory's that f**king good, and that style beats 'Chito'. 'Chito' is not very fast, he's f**king super good, super durable, well rounded everywhere. Cory was focused for 25 minutes, did what he needed to do. Wrestled more than I thought he would."
Check out Sean O'Malley's comments on the main event of UFC San Antonio below (starting at the 4:54 mark):
O'Malley went on to question Marlon Vera's gameplan, noting that it appeared that 'Chito' was content with losing the first two rounds in an attempt to tire out Cory Sandhagen. Despite controversial scoring from the judges, 'The Sandman' was able to pick up a convincing split decision victory to climb in the bantamweight rankings.
Sean O'Malley's return: Cory Sandhagen wants to face 'Sugar'
Sean O'Malley has not fought in nearly six months. The No.2-ranked bantamweight is seemingly sitting out with hopes of facing the winner of the UFC 288 title bout between Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo. No.3-ranked bantamweight Cory Sandhagen recently shared that he would like to face 'Sugar', stating:
"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... Earn your stripes a little bit."
Check out Cory Sandhagen's comments on Sean O'Malley below:
Sandhagen pivoted to Merab Dvalishvili, who was present at UFC San Antonio, in his post-fight interview. It remains unclear which of the two bantamweight contenders he is looking to face, however, it is likely that the bantamweight division's next title challenger won't be announced until after UFC 288.
