“Suga” Sean O’Malley is in little doubt as to what victory in his upcoming bout against Petr Yan in Abu Dhabi will do for his already soaring profile in the UFC — chiefly, make him a bona-fide superstar.
The talented bantamweight, even to this point one of the standout stars in mixed martial arts, faces former champion Yan at UFC 280 at Etihad Arena on October 22.
The bout, which will prelude two title fights, represents comfortably O’Malley’s greatest test thus far as a professional. The American, 15-1 with one no contest, is ranked the No 13 contender in the division, while Yan sits as the No 1 challenger.
The Russian, 16-3, held the bantamweight belt last year. Speaking on The MMA Hour on Wednesday night, O’Malley agreed the bout in Abu Dhabi could establish him as a truly transcendent star, saying: “It’s hard not to look at it like that. “I don’t really want that to be my mindset going into this fight: ‘Well if I lose, I lose to the No 1 guy.’ That’s what it is though.