UFC 280: Sean O'Malley relishes underdog role against Petr Yan

UFC star Sean O’Malley has explained why it’s fun to be viewed as the underdog heading into his fight against Petr Yan.

For so long now, fans and pundits alike have viewed Sean O’Malley as one of the most intriguing fighters in mixed martial arts. In addition to his unique personality and style, he’s also an incredibly talented fighter who has the potential to become UFC bantamweight champion one day.

The 27-year-old has the combat sports world at his feet and later this month, he has a chance to take a huge step forward in his development when he locks horns with none other than former 135-pound king Petr Yan.

‘No Mercy’ is quite easily the toughest opponent that ‘Suga’ has had to come across thus far in his career and yet, despite this massive step up in competition, he’s still feeling confident about the trajectory he’s on in MMA.

Read more: UFC 280: Sean O’Malley sends message to haters as he prepares to face Petr Yan

During a recent interview with Daniel Cormier, O’Malley opened up on the match-up and what it feels like to be the one tagged as the underdog.

“To the casual, to the dummy, the odds seem about right. But to an expert, to a high level fighter or high level IQ, I think the odds would be a lot closer.”

“A lot of people do think I’m going to lose this fight. Obviously I expect to go out there and win, so, I’m the favourite in my mind, but it’s fun. I don’t think I’ve ever been the underdog. It is different, there’s a little bit of extra fire under me, so it is nice.

“I wouldn’t say I prefer being the underdog because at the end of the day I don’t really care, but it is different and it’s a little boost.”

You’ve read the subheading, and yes, it’s true – UFC 280 is shaping up to be one of the best