“I don’t give two f***s who he trains with,” 31-year-old Marlon Vera voiced when he was inquired about his opponent Deiveson Figueiredo ahead of their clash on UFC Abu Dhabi. The former flyweight champion of the world has been on a roll since transitioning to the bantamweight division. Interestingly, to defeat a formidable fighter like ‘Chito’, Figueiredo had to rely on his training with none other than the undefeated lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, this did not faze the defiant Sean O’Malley, who is determined to make his mark in the bantamweight division.
O’Malley, who is known for his flashy style and knockout power, has been making waves in the UFC since his debut in 2017. With an impressive record of 13 wins and only one loss, O’Malley has quickly become a fan favorite. However, his journey has not been without its challenges. Injuries and suspensions have kept him out of the octagon for extended periods, but O’Malley has always bounced back stronger.
As he prepares for his upcoming fight against Figueiredo, O’Malley remains unfazed by the Brazilian’s training with Nurmagomedov. In fact, he sees it as an opportunity to prove himself against one of the best fighters in the world. In a recent interview, O’Malley said, “I don’t care who he trains with. I’m focused on my own training and my own gameplan. I’m confident in my abilities and I know I can beat anyone in this division.”
O’Malley’s confidence is not unfounded. In his last fight against Thomas Almeida, he put on a dominant performance, showcasing his striking skills and finishing the fight in the first round. This win solidified his position as a top contender in the bantamweight division and earned him a spot on the main card of UFC Abu Dhabi.
However, Figueiredo is not one to be underestimated. The Brazilian fighter has been on a tear since moving up to the bantamweight division, with three consecutive wins, including a dominant performance against Joseph Benavidez to claim the vacant bantamweight title. His training with Nurmagomedov has only added to his already impressive skill set, making him a formidable opponent for O’Malley.
But O’Malley is not one to back down from a challenge. He has been vocal about his desire to become a champion and is willing to face anyone to achieve that goal. In fact, he has even called out the current bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling, and has expressed his willingness to fight him for the title.
O’Malley’s confidence and determination have not gone unnoticed. Even Nurmagomedov himself has praised the young fighter, saying, “He’s a very talented guy. He has a lot of potential and I believe he can become a champion one day.” This is high praise coming from someone like Nurmagomedov, who is known for his dominant grappling and unbeaten record.
As the fight between O’Malley and Figueiredo draws closer, the tension and excitement are building. Both fighters have a lot to prove, and it promises to be an explosive matchup. O’Malley’s flashy style and knockout power against Figueiredo’s well-rounded skills and training with Nurmagomedov make for an intriguing clash of styles.
But for O’Malley, this fight is not just about defeating Figueiredo. It’s about proving himself as a top contender in the bantamweight division and showing that he is ready for a shot at the title. And with his unwavering confidence and determination, he is sure to put on a show for the fans in Abu Dhabi.
In conclusion, Sean O’Malley’s defiance and determination in the face of Figueiredo’s training with Nurmagomedov is a testament to his character and his belief in his abilities. He is not intimidated by his opponent’s accolades and is ready to take on any challenge that comes his way. As he steps into the octagon on fight night, he will have the support of his fans and the belief in himself to come out victorious. And who knows, a win over Figueiredo could be the first step towards fulfilling his dream of becoming a UFC champion.
