Sean O’Malley (18-1) has achieved a lot in the UFC. From serving as the UFC Bantamweight Champion to defeating Aljamain Sterling, the Montana native has developed a decorated MMA career. However, “Suga” has his eyes set on a different ring.
O’Malley has expressed his interest in fighting boxer Ryan Garcia. The controversial figure responded in kind, saying “PREPARE TO BLEED RAINBOW.” As a result, the two fighters appear to be heading towards a collision course.
But could the UFC Bantamweight Champion make the transition flawless? Or could he face his doom against the controversial boxer? Here’s a look at past UFC fighters in the boxing ring.
Sean O’Malley Isn’t the First
Sean O’Malley isn’t the first UFC fighter to attempt a boxing crossover. In 2017, Conor McGregor fought boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a boxing match at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Mayweather Jr. won the “Money Fight”, defeating the Irishman via TKO in the tenth round.
Other UFC superstars have crossed over into the boxing world, including Nate Diaz and Anderson Silva. With fights against the likes of Jake Paul, such MMA fighters have chosen boxing as their after-UFC career path.
Can O’Malley Make It Work?
For O’Malley, it would be an interesting choice to cross over into boxing. However, it’s one that would be easier for the Montana native to transition into; he’s well-known for his striking and wouldn’t have any trouble punching his opponent.
However, one thing that might be problematic for Sean O’Malley is Ryan Garcia’s left hook. The Los Alamitos native devastated Devin Haney with his hook on Saturday, delivering three knockdowns throughout the fight, Consequentially, Garcia won via unanimous decision.
While O’Malley should have no problem with transitioning into boxing given his abilities, he might face a freight train in Garcia. Haney learned this the way on Saturday. Conor McGregor learned how hard boxing is in 2017, falling to Floyd Mayweather Jr. But for “Suga,” it’s just another challenge to tackle.
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Jacob Walters is a boxing/MMA writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @IceColdWJacob
