Sean O`Malley`s recent back-to-back defeats against UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili have prompted calls for him to potentially move up a weight class.
The former UFC Bantamweight Champion finds himself in a challenging position following two consecutive title fight losses to Dvalishvili. Their first encounter at UFC 306 in September saw O`Malley lose a unanimous decision after going the full five rounds.
Eight months later, at UFC 316, O`Malley faced Dvalishvili again in the main event but suffered a submission loss.
With Dvalishvili firmly holding the bantamweight title, O`Malley may face a prolonged period without another title shot at 135 pounds, raising questions about his future in the division.
A former UFC champion who competed in two different weight classes has suggested that O`Malley consider a similar move following his repeated losses to `The Machine`.
Luke Rockhold Believes Sean O`Malley Should Explore Featherweight
Luke Rockhold, a former UFC and Strikeforce Middleweight Champion, commented on the possibility, suggesting that the 5`11″ O`Malley possesses the physical attributes to compete effectively at featherweight (145 lbs).
Rockhold himself transitioned up a division from middleweight to light heavyweight for a fight against future champion Jan Blachowicz. However, that move did not result in success for Rockhold, who was defeated by knockout.
Despite his own experience, Rockhold thinks moving to featherweight is an option worth exploring for `Suga`.
Speaking on The Jaxxon Podcast, Rockhold stated, “O’Malley’s a big guy too.”
“I’d like to see him go up to 45,” he added.
“He could do some weight training and do something different. It’d be very interesting to see.”
Rockhold reiterated his point about the former bantamweight champion, saying, “O’Malley would be big at 45.”
UFC notable Chael Sonnen has also speculated that the losses to Dvalishvili might necessitate a move to featherweight for O`Malley.
Luke Rockhold Advises Sean O`Malley to Avoid Aljamain Sterling Rematch
It was clear that O`Malley faced difficulties dealing with Merab Dvalishvili`s wrestling.
If O`Malley were to transition from bantamweight, he would find himself in the same division as former bantamweight champion and past opponent, Aljamain Sterling.
Sterling is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished fighters and wrestlers in the history of the bantamweight division.
When discussing a potential rematch between O`Malley and Sterling, Rockhold commented, “If you’re O’Malley, that’s the last fight I’m taking right now.”
“That’s the last fight…” he emphasized.
“I’m fighting a striker, dog,” Rockhold added, suggesting O`Malley should seek opponents with a different style than a dominant wrestler like Sterling.
O`Malley previously defeated Sterling by TKO to win the bantamweight title at UFC 292 in 2023.
Sterling, now ranked #9 in the featherweight division after moving up, stated he was not at 100% capacity during his recent loss to his teammate Dvalishvili at UFC 316. Following that defeat, Sterling has called for a rematch with O`Malley.
Percy Harlow