An emerging talent slated for UFC 318 already intends to challenge a former champion in New Orleans.
Sean O’Malley finds himself in a precarious spot after consecutive defeats to reigning bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili.
Despite fellow bantamweight Cory Sandhagen`s belief that O`Malley can adapt and remain a top contender, O`Malley`s upcoming bout holds significant importance.
Even after diligent preparation and lifestyle adjustments for UFC 316, O`Malley was unable to reclaim the championship.
As one of the sport`s prominent figures, `Suga` is a prime target for numerous contenders, including a rapidly ascending fighter.
Vinicius Oliveira Envisions Post-UFC 318 Clash with Sean O`Malley
At UFC 318, Vinicius Oliveira aims for his fourth consecutive UFC victory, extending his impressive promotional start.
Ranked #15 after defeating Said Nurmagomedov this year, Oliveira is set to face #12-ranked Kyler Phillips at UFC 318.
In an interview, `Lok Dog` disclosed his intention to challenge Sean O`Malley after securing a win in New Orleans.
There`s a strong possibility I`ll fight Sean O’Malley. He`s a skilled, versatile fighter with a significant UFC presence, even if he`s not currently at his peak. He`s a phenom. If he`s open to the idea, this fight can materialize. It hinges on effective trash talk and my promotion of the bout.
While confident the fight is plausible, Oliveira conceded that, if he were O’Malley, he wouldn`t accept the challenge.
The Brazilian acknowledged the substantial risk for `Suga` in facing an ascending contender who lacks the established name recognition of a top-tier fighter.
However, if I were in his shoes, I wouldn`t accept this fight. What he might not realize is that lower-ranked fighters possess an intense hunger to ascend, and that hunger makes us formidable… I`d personally take the fight, but perhaps from his perspective, it`s not worth the risk, as he stands to lose more than he gains.
Vinicius Oliveira Shifts Focus from Primary Target
In the same discussion, Oliveira mentioned temporarily abandoning his pursuit of his initial target.
Earlier this year, Oliveira challenged Umar Nurmagomedov, but due to Nurmagomedov`s inactivity since January, the call-out yielded no results.
The fighter I truly desire to face is Umar Nurmagomedov, but he seems apprehensive. I`ve already dismissed that possibility for now.
Although Oliveira`s aspiration to challenge Sean O`Malley is bold, considering Petr Yan is set to fight #13-ranked Marcus McGhee next week, Oliveira`s ambition isn`t entirely unrealistic.
