Sean O’Malley looks to prove he’s the ‘biggest draw’ at bantamweight with win at UFC 280 (Video)

Sean O’Malley is looking to solidify his shot at a championship with a victory at UFC 280.

UFC 280 is filled with important bouts across the card. Not only are two championships on the line, but contenders are looking to carve out a higher position in the rankings, hoping for a shot at a belt to come their way. Sean O’Malley and Petr Yan are two such individuals as they are set to face off against one another in a pivotal fight in the bantamweight division.

“He [Yan] he was the only guy after the Munhoz fight, I went back to the UFC after that because it wasn’t a satisfying victory,” O’Malley said. “I know he was saying he picked that fight, I don’t believe that. I think he got bullied into it.”

O’Malley is making his first appearance in the Octagon since UFC 276 where his fight with Pedro Munhoz was ruled a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke after almost seven minutes of action. Before that, he was riding a three-fight win streak, rebounding nicely from a 2020 loss to Marlon Vera. Since joining the UFC back in 2017, O’Malley has experienced a wealth of success, defeating individuals like Eddie Wineland, Thomas Almeida, and a host of others. With this win, he is looking for a shot at the 135-pound championship.

“I’m the biggest draw in the bantamweight division, one of the biggest draws in the UFC. I go out there and beat the number one guy, who else would I fight,” O’Malley said. “This is a massive fight and it could be a main event.”

Petr Yan wants this victory to get back into title contention

O’Malley has his toughest test in front of him in the form of former interim bantamweight champion, Yan. Yan dropped a split decision to the current champion, Aljamain Sterling at UFC 273, after successfully securing the title by defeating Cory Sandhagen at UFC 267. Yan comes into this fight with many big wins of his own, including victories over Jon Dodson, Uriah Faber, Jimmie Rivera, and Jose Aldo.

Facing a former champion of Yan’s stature is a big deal in the UFC and O’Malley is aware of what it could do for his place in the division and his legacy going forward.

“I believe I can be considered one of the best fighters of all time,” O’Malley said.

UFC 280: Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev takes place on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, live from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Follow along with FanSided MMA for all your news and highlights.