UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley might be confident in his chances of reaching UFC gold, but he isn’t feeling very patient. O’Malley, in a recent episode of his podcast, discussed his frustration at the stagnation in the 135-pound division title picture. In particular, he took aim at the champ, Aljamain Sterling, and the returning former champion, Henry Cejudo, for stalling the booking and announcement of a seemingly inevitable bout.
“It drives me crazy. Why is this not happening? I don’t think it’s a money thing. I don’t. The UFC would say ‘all right, next guy.’ It’s not a money thing, in my opinion. UFC said here’s what you’re going to make.
O’Malley: Bantamweight Title Race Stalling “Drives Me Crazy”
Henry literally retired because he wasn’t getting paid enough and now he’s broke and wants to come back. He’s coming back to make the same amount. Aljo’s not going to get paid more. He’s not a draw. That’s just facts. That’s not me throwing shots.
Aljo would say the same thing. He’s like ‘yeah, I’m not a draw, I don’t have fans.’ He knows. Everyone knows.”
Perhaps there is some truth to O’Malley’s assertion, with the bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling currently enjoying some vacation time. O’Malley remains frustrated with the pace of affairs, and wondered if there might be an injury or another issue behind the scenes.
“Is it a weight thing? Is it an injury lingering? What is it? I’ve got to get to the bottom of this. I’m hiring a private investigator to follow them both around.”
Part of O’Malley’s impatience might be rooted in the fact that he’s next in line to face the winner, based on his recent leap up the rankings after dispatching Petr Yan.
“I’m in a tricky position. I always knew I’d be in this position where you’re at the top of the division. It doesn’t really make sense to fight. I’m guaranteed a title shot. Obviously, ‘Aljo’ and Henry still have to be announced. I’m kind of in that position where do I be smart — like I’ve done my entire career — and just wait for those two dorks to fight or do I risk it and go fight someone else? Which wouldn’t be the intelligent thing to do, but it’s like you only get so many years to fight. I don’t really feel like sitting around too much.
I’m leaning towards waiting around for ‘Aljo’ and Henry to fight and just wait for that.” Is Sean O’Malley right to be frustrated? Let us know in the comments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbhdd4BMvqk
