Sean O'Malley believes he's close to becoming UFC's biggest star - ESPN

LAS VEGAS — Sean O'Malley believes he's very close to eclipsing Conor McGregor as the biggest star in the UFC.

The current UFC bantamweight champion will defend his championship against Merab Dvalishvili in the main event of Noche UFC at The Sphere in Las Vegas this weekend.

While the event itself is highly anticipated because of the massive production budget and is suggested to be «the greatest sporting event of all time» by UFC CEO Dana White, the fact that O'Malley was chosen to headline suggests that the promotion holds him in high regard. Should he emerge victorious, O'Malley believes the gap between him and McGregor will close significantly.

«I think I'm close [to catching Conor McGregor],» O'Malley told ESPN during Wednesday's media day. «I think Conor still has one more big fight in him, but the big question mark is if he can come back and beat Michael Chandler. I think he has one more huge fight. But if he goes out and loses his next fight, that's like six in a row or something? [His star power] has to die down eventually. Maybe not. But that's a big testament to how big of a star he is. If he loses, I'm there. I'm the guy.»

McGregor has been out of action since July 2021. He was originally scheduled to face Chandler at UFC 303 in June but was forced out with a toe injury. An early 2025 return for McGregor has been targeted.

When asked what separates him from McGregor, O'Malley kept it simple.

«I fight, I'm active,» O'Malley said. «Conor was good on the mic and he had a few good performances, but I'm consistent. Right now, I'm fighting a lot, so that's what I bring to the table.»

UFC men's bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley puts his title on the line against Merab Dvalishvili in the main event, while Alexa