Should Sean O’Malley successfully defend his bantamweight title against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306, another big fight awaits the champion.
Umar Nurmagomedov will look to become the second fighter in his family to win UFC gold following his win over Cory Sandhagen.
Alongside the fact that it’s a great clash of styles, this fight is huge because of Umar’s family bond with the great Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The former UFC lightweight champion is sure to be in his corner for that fight and that’s something that adds extra incentive for “Suga”.
Getting the chance to test himself against one of the best minds in the sport makes this one even more significant for his legacy.
Sean O’Malley Says Even Two-Weight Success Would Struggle To Top Going Up Against Umar & Khabib Nurmagomedov
Having Khabib Nurmagomedov in the mix with his cousin is going to make the fight feel bigger and that suits O’Malley well if it does end up happening.
Since retiring from MMA with his undefeated record intact, “The Eagle” has earned a phenomenal reputation as a coach and cornerman.
In many ways, he stepped into the role that was left behind after his father, Abdulmanap, passed away.
O’Malley spoke in a recent interview with Red Corner MMA about how getting the chance to go up against this Nurmagomedov family team would be a career-high moment for him.
“I never really thought about it but just kind of off the top of my head right now if I think about it, that would be cool. Khabib’s a legend, 29-0 and very disciplined, serious guy which would make it even more fun.
“It’d be hard to top that, like I guess beating Ilia or Max after that, like there’s guys you could top that with but it’d be hard to get too excited for. I don’t know, I’m thinking out loud right now. It would be cool.”