Midnight Mania! O’Malley Emulating McGregor, Adesanya In Rise To Stardom

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Sean O’Malley is well on his way to becoming a major star inside the Octagon. In fact, some would say he’s already at that point, as it’s hard to argue the viewing numbers he’s created or the significant amount of merchandise sold.

“The Suga Show” is happening, like it or not.

Ahead of the toughest challenge yet in his his young career in Marlon Vera at UFC 252 this Saturday night (Aug. 15, 2020), O’Malley answered questions at today’s virtual media conference. When asked about his future and fast rise (both in popularity and Bantamweight division), O’Malley made comparisons to a pair of UFC champions in Conor McGregor and Israel Adesanya.

“I think obviously Conor’s career went well,” O’Malley said (transcription via MMAJunkie). “Israel Adesanya’s career went well and I feel like I want a similar career like that. (McGregor and I are) pretty similar in fighting styles. We knock people out in the first round. We’re not afraid to say how the fight will play out.”

As for what’s next, O’Malley understands that it really depends on how well he handles Vera. New hordes of fans are not going to tune in for underwhelming performances, but a first-round knockout of a man who’s never been stopped as a pro?

Finishing Vera is the goal, as O’Malley explained, “I think it totally depends how I go out there and finish ‘Chito.’ If I win a decision I don’t get that big, big next fight name. I could, because if I win a decision it will be a very impressive decision. But if I starch him I think I will get whoever I want.

“He’s in the UFC, he’s tough, he’s beat people in the UFC, he’s finished people in the UFC and he’s never been finished,” O’Malley said. “All around it’s a tough fight. He’s my toughest opponent to date and with that said, I’ll probably still drop him in the first round.”

We’re just three days away from finding out if O’Malley can live up to the hype.

Insomnia

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Is this objectively bad, low-hanging-fruit trash talk? Very clearly. But, if Marvin Vettori gets his match up with Chris Weidman, he probably picks up the biggest win of his career, so …

Guess the fighter!

Anyone here remember when Brian Ebersole actually hit a couple people like this? Contender Series living up to the hype!

I am very ready for Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa.

Good for Paige VanZant for making her millions with BKFC, but I’ll say this again as an analyst and former training partner: it’s a bad idea.

Corey Anderson says there’s no beef between himself and UFC after recently asking for his release and jumping ship to Bellator.

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Good luck finding anyone to fight Magomed Ankalaev on short-notice — that guy is a killer.

An extremely demoralizing night at the office:

Muay Thai violence!

Random Land

NASA gives us a hint at what lightning looks like on Jupiter.

Midnight Music: That FJM EP from last night put me in a Leonard Cohen mood, so tonight I spun my favorite Cohen record, 1971’s aptly titled Songs Of Love And Hate.

Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.