Reigning UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria recently told Adin Ross that a fight with Sean O’Malley in the past would have been interesting.
However, the 29-year-old feels this bout does make sense now, as everyone knows what will happen if the two clash.
Sean O’Malley also had similar sentiments
At UFC 299, “Suga” called out “El Matador”. During the octagon interview, he said:
“Dana [White], give me a jet to Spain, baby. I’m coming for Ilia Topuria. And if he doesn’t want it. Nah f**k it. I want Ilia, baby, give me Ilia.”
Check out Sean O’Malley’s comments below:
At that time, Topuria was the newly minted UFC featherweight champion.
However, after the Georgian-Spaniard moved up to lightweight and knocked out Charles Oliveira in Round 1 at UFC 317 to capture the lightweight championship, Sean O’Malley reacted to the victory, saying it was a blessing in disguise that “El Matador” didn’t pay attention to his earlier callout. He said:
“Holy f**k. Islam vs. Topuria needs to happen. He’s up there with Jon Jones. Knocked out Volk, knocked out Max, knocked out Charles. Islam is next at 170 [pounds]. Holy f**k. Who would even fight Ilia at 155 next? Thank God he didn’t accept my callout.”
Check out Sean O’Malley’s reaction to UFC 317 main event below (2:49):
Ilia Topuria comments on the potential Sean O’Malley fight
Ilia Topuria, who was on streamer Adin Ross’ live stream earlier today, while talking about a potential bout with Sean O’Malley, said:
“That would have been a good fight in the past. Not now. Now it’s very evident what would happen in the fight; before, it was a mystery.”
Check out Ilia Topuria’s comments below:
“El Matador” is currently preparing for the first defense of his 155-pound championship and is expected to meet current and two-time interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje at the White House on June 14.