Sean O'Malley - Journey to UFC Champion

Sean O'Malley's first UFC fight came in December of 2017, as an undefeated prospect, after getting a viral KO on Season 1 of Dana White's Contender Series. By 2023, O'Malley's ascension came to fruition as he became the undisputed Bantamweight champion with a knockout victory over Aljamain Sterling.
Subscribe to get all the latest UFC content: ufc.ac/3u8FIJp
Experience UFC live with UFC FIGHT PASS, the digital subscription service of the UFC. Visit ufcfightpass.com/
To order UFC Pay-Per-Views on ESPN+, visit ufc.ac/3NKBvmx (U.S. only)
To order UFC Pay-Per-Views, visit welcome.ufcfightpass.com/#PPV (Non U.S.)
👉 Shop official UFC Gear, visit ufcstore.com
👉 Shop official UFC Memorabilia, visit ufccollectibles.com
👉 Shop official UFC VIP Live Event Experiences, visit ufc.ac/3Oz2gLH
Connect with UFC online and on Social:
🔴 Website: www.ufc.com
🔵 Twitter: / ufc
🔵 Facebook: / ufc
🔴 Instagram: / ufc
🟡 Snapchat: / ufc
🟣 Twitch: / ufc
Connect with UFC FIGHT PASS on Social:
🔵 Twitter: / ufcfightpass
🔵 Facebook: / ufcfightpass
🔴 Instagram: / ufcfightpass
#UFC #ufc299 #seanomalley

[@MoreHipThanHop]

The UFC needs to stop comparing him to Mcgregor, let him just be the Suga show!

[@jesusisking9171]

I think he compares himself to McGregor just as much if not more than even the UFC does

[@miklonarvaez7902]

Yeah he's always gonna be tied to conor I'm surprised so many still wanna be conor I get it he was and is a superstar but I would think you would want to have your own thing

[@MoreHipThanHop]

@@miklonarvaez7902 Think about the biggest stars in the Ufc currently. These guys are famous for different reasons and not being compared to Connor gives them more of an identity. Guys like Paddy Pimplett and Ian Garry aren’t even taken seriously anymore

[@KWKMAN333]

Conor is irrelevant quit talking about him UFC. At least Suga is doing the one thing that Conor didn't do and that's defend the title.

[@user-dm3kg7sp4h]

LMFAOOO

[@ULTRAVISTA.]

"I gotta prove a lot of stupid people, that they're stupid" - Sean O'Malley. Whatta savage

[@LIIIIIFE]

REMEMBER KIDS. BE LIKE SEAN, GET SUSPENDED FOR PEDS AND LET YOUR WIFE SLEEP WITH YOUR FRIEND TO COME HOME AND KISS THE FAMILY AND YOULL BE CHAMPION.

[@fruitlandgrizzly]

​@@LIIIIIFEimagine making up lies just because you are a hater 😂😂

[@LIIIIIFE]

IMAGINE GOBBLING SEAN SO MUCH AND BEING PROUD ABOUT IT @@fruitlandgrizzly

[@ballskin]

@@LIIIIIFEimagine being brown

[@LIIIIIFE]

YOU CALL YOURSELF BALLLSKIN. ENOUGH SAID.@@ballskin

[@josiericaro3347]

That 2 year layoff was probably the best thing for his career !

[@smashypeople]

it was all meant to be, baby!

[@ClaytonETompkins]

Wasn't it for popping for steroids?

[@Breeze-lb3ge]

@@ClaytonETompkinshe never took steroids look at him lmao he had a tainted supplement. A super low threshold that has no affect on him as a fighter or athlete. More than likely the supplement was tainted bc the place in which these supplements are made didn’t properly clean their tanks before making the next batch. Sean has spoken on this several times. Joe Rogan spoke on Sean’s specific case as well

[@brandonfreeman6517]

@@Breeze-lb3ge Not every PED is to put on mass man...

[@isaiahl329]

@@brandonfreeman6517then what are they for buddy?

[@h3xagram11]

I love watching fighters come up way more than watching them defending at the top....

[@mayzes5847]

you dont know whos coming up till they make it to the top tho

[@kroooassant9899]

pretty much like everybody else, until your underdog becomes a champ that is.

[@allybaapp1053]

Not always, I been watching this dude from the contender series. Cool to see.

[@ZenLion444]

I agree. Isn’t that weird? I think it’s bc we can relate to struggle or something?

[@jimmynovak7913]

Depends on the competition of the weight class for me.

[@TopWorldTalentHD]

The fact that this compilation is 30 plus minutes speaks volumes to what Sean O'Malley brings to the table.

[@leensalocin]

Not everyone has a story to tell

[@franlovelsimic8421]

Or how much the UFC are pushing him because he represents the younger zoomer and onwards market

[@TopWorldTalentHD]

@@leensalocinfact

[@donfransisco9404]

@@franlovelsimic8421😂

[@CamMackay96]

​@@franlovelsimic8421 deserves the push tbh, been class his entire career it's obvious he has the talent to run this division for a long time and will do now as the champ!

[@kinotroikgames2818]

I still remember when he was fighting “unranked” opponents and people were bitching he wasn’t fighting dudes in the top 10 lol time flies by!

[@thearyaputra]

People will always bitch the same thing over and over again. Ooo he only fought unranked opponents, why did he fight a ranked opponent - he didn't deserve it, why did he already fight with the champ, yada yada yada. 😂

[@Jake-bt3fc]

@@thearyaputra Completely valid criticism. UFC fighters rarely get tune up fights like boxers do but Sean got a ton. He fought many guys way under his skill level.

[@jackreacher2095]

@@Jake-bt3fcfacts . Just look at the kid who got battered by umar nurmagamedov in his debut this past weekend

[@andyhoughtaling6319]

that was 2 fights ago

[@jangilabrahma7797]

And Islam not fight rang fightar direk title sot

[@MrYeorge]

one of my favorites right now his striking is hella creative bruh

[@jakedegneau8284]

@@DrFrogglePhDmr. frog, it’s not that deep.

[@LIIIIIFE]

REMEMBER KIDS. BE LIKE SEAN, GET SUSPENDED FOR PEDS AND LET YOUR WIFE SLEEP WITH YOUR FRIEND TO COME HOME AND KISS THE FAMILY AND YOULL BE CHAMPION.

[@tomquayle3930]

@@LIIIIIFEyou really that concerned with fighters personal lives huh 😂 jealousy and hate is oozing out of you

[@LIIIIIFE]

THEY SPEAK ABOUT IT OPENLY. UNLIKE HOW YOU HIDE FROM YOUR FAMILY THE FACT YOU TAKE RUBBER MEAT DOWN YOUR THROAT BEGGING FOR SUGA FROM SEAN. @@tomquayle3930

[@MoeGardner_]

@@LIIIIIFE more worried about a mma fighters life than ur own tells me alot about u lmaooo

[@TheLordpennes]

"I fuckin love you Joe Rogan"❤ O'Malley in every interview with rogan😂

[@ingry]

"You better hope you look better than that", at a man who just won... bare chested in a red leather jacket is a level of confidence I assume only gladiators experienced.

[@Emilio-dd5yh]

Both guys are so dangerous..they will give us a nice war...Huge respect from Italy guys 🤙

[@LIIIIIFE]

REMEMBER KIDS. BE LIKE SEAN, GET SUSPENDED FOR PEDS AND LET YOUR WIFE SLEEP WITH YOUR FRIEND TO COME HOME AND KISS THE FAMILY AND YOULL BE CHAMPION.

[@THE-ed6wb]

Esteves hey dog you see the size of that chicken

[@thechampion3254]

@@LIIIIIFE sounds like you lost money betting against sean 😂😂

[@danbaker7640]

You are a weird fella@@LIIIIIFE

[@LiamYessayian]

LMAO 5/0

[@drugbustin]

4:45 Sean has so much underrated power in his kicks....jayzuz

[@hansmattr20]

He’s got tons of power for a smaller guy

[@eamonshields2754]

Incredible Talent And His Coach Tim Welch Is An Absolute Gem

[@aidenmckenna306]

him and Sean's energy seem to match pretty well. One of the best coach and fighter relationships today.

[@kevinwright7026]

That no look knee on almaida was dope

[@macbrowning]

Yeah i bet buddy

[@ExtraordinaryAF]

I just realized we’ve been watching greatness all along. It’s undeniable.

[@johncamp7679]

I’ve seen comments putting Sean down for how he up sales himself, I’ve seen other fighters do this also. Seems to be a habit of successful people, speak it into existence.

[@macurlyfries]

People just don’t like the fact that they’re broke and haven’t gone at their dreams whilst these guys that get to the championship deserve to enjoy and speak with confidence. Because they have achieved everything they wanted to achieve in the profession. They’re just haters that will remain miserable whilst these guys live their best life. As they should

[@mackx1]

People don’t understand that is extremely important if they want to make a name for themselves today. You have to be able to talk shit

[@RlythtnigBryce]

It’s just people hating

[@smashypeople]

​@@mackx1Sean doesnt even talk shit. thats why people call him boring on the mic. hes just down to earth and focused.

[@johncamp7679]

@@user-qx9gr7kz6x I wasn’t just talking about fighters, I’m a humble person and if I wasn’t mature enough I’d probably lash out and say negative things. I’ve heard of the law of attraction and I feel awkward speaking things out loud that I’m going to do. I’ve always had a thought and just done it. Sean, Connor, a lot of people that have a major increase in their income and other aspects of their life have spoken it into existence. I want to attract positive things in my life, it starts by speaking out loud , apparently.

[@jakesummitt2749]

Tim is the most genuine human

[@ichliebeflaw]

Theo von in the crowd had me dying he looks so confused of the stoppage hahah 16:29

[@ghostmm8745]

lmao i saw that shit too i went to the comments to see if anyone else saw it

[@haseebr7438]

Bahaha how did you even see him!! It took me like a minute to see him but your right.. he was so confused.

[@rottab9397]

I remember watching that contender series ep.. I've never judged anyone solely on looks ever since..

[@cypherfps3695]

Hahah..same

[@ty-le5lv]

Been following Sean from the beginning. Happy to see your growth. Keep up the hard work bro.

[@LIIIIIFE]

REMEMBER KIDS. BE LIKE SEAN, GET SUSPENDED FOR PEDS AND LET YOUR WIFE SLEEP WITH YOUR FRIEND TO COME HOME AND KISS THE FAMILY AND YOULL BE CHAMPION.

[@danbaker7640]

Get a LIIIIIFE troll !@@LIIIIIFE

[@xjwarner6364]

I love seeing Tim in the back of every fight the most pumped person in the arena every time!

[@anasshahid224]

Man Sean has had an incredible journey to the title, from his highlight reel performance in the DWCS to incredible fight after fight all the way to the title shot against Aljo. Excited to see him defend his belt Saturday night. Hopefully he will avenge the one loss on his record.

[@pandaplutten2573]

I have to admit that I doubted him - even when he took the belt, but now that he has defended the title I am totally convinced. He is the real deal. No doubt. He is a sharp shooter with allround skills AND stamina!

[@xBRAAAPx]

The round horn in the Yan fight was hilarious live and still is just as funny😂😂

[@elvisb7246]

got into ufc last December and im so hyped for ufc 299 and 300!!!

[@juangringo3906]

Hope the training is going well. 😜

[@edgeprobability]

Enjoy! I’ve always been a diehard football fan, but nothing compares to the UFC

[@elvisb7246]

@juangringo3906 this took me an entire day to understand the joke 😭

[@PopTap]

you in the preliminaries or main card ?!?

[@infiad1275]

@@elvisb7246

[@mysticmac4244]

Suga has power in his hand damn

[@LIIIIIFE]

REMEMBER KIDS. BE LIKE SEAN, GET SUSPENDED FOR PEDS AND LET YOUR WIFE SLEEP WITH YOUR FRIEND TO COME HOME AND KISS THE FAMILY AND YOULL BE CHAMPION.

[@ion1984]

@@LIIIIIFE YOU REALLY DONT HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO WITH YOUR TIME BRO WHY U SO MAD

[@MainPrism]

​@@ion1984bro he left the exact same comment on someone else's 💩. Dude's jealous and insecure af. It's kinda sad really 😂😂

[@ramonortiz7462]

And Vera has power in his kicks which git him the clean victory over Suga clown!!

[@Mikamichae]

​@@ramonortiz7462 how did that work out

[@mithunnair8587]

Sean and tim is one of the best fighter coach relationships i have seen❤

[@chappyy.]

When Sean came back after two years and was obvious he put on size and done a lot of work while out then whooped quonez was impressive. Its been a mad journey so far !

[@spideymcgee4718]

The right hand he hit Aljo with was absolutely perfect

[@jjsmokemcrae]

Braided suga is a different kind of beast 😂

[@dinesvlog1999]

I am fan of him since his debut....what a fighter 🔥 Sugar era is just begins Love you from Nepal 🇳🇵❤

[@user-wq9vg9gt5z]

Rooting for Sean O'Malley...

[@prestoncheatham3455]

This is good work from Sean, Ed really had no idea what was coming next! Like a pitcher that has 10 pro level pitches! Sean is a problem for everyone at 35!

[@smb_plush]

If he gets through Chito and actually wins the Merab fight I don't think he'd be criticized anymore. The Sandhagen fight would be pretty awesome to see after all that.

[@ningyell160]

Merab , Sandhagen then Umar, Malley has some tough fights ahead if he successfully defends against Chito.

[@flash9436]

he beat the BEST bantam weight of ALL time with a knock out. that ends all criticism

[@smb_plush]

@flash9436 It doesn't and majority of people feel the same. Be objective.

[@flash9436]

@@smb_plushbe objective she says lol. People hate for NO reason. He has proved himself over and over.

[@smb_plush]

@flash9436 Girl, you aren't being objective. He needs to prove himself against someone like Merab. Merab has a suffocating style that he's never experienced. If he wins then there's nothing to criticize Sean with. You can't say he doesn't need to prove anything when he has a tough contender coming up.

[@yenohtnA]

I can’t stand that Aljo was saying early stoppage. After the knockdown punch - Sean landed 15 of 18 ground shots. Unanswered. Aljos head bounced off the octagon 5 times. Sterling, you got dominated

[@nathankim1083]

Whoever edits these "Road to Champion" videos is goated. It gets me so hyped!

[@TheOriginalArchie]

30:05 Tim walks over and tells Sean during the interview "Chito needs his ass whooped next", and Sean called out Chito. They've been wanting this revenge. I know that from watching the pod, but I never could hear what Tim said to him until I just rewound that.

[@2Boutdoors]

whooped his ass for 5 rounds straight 🫡

[@MansterBear]

It’s probably bc KZbin, but I wish they would have had Sean’s walkout music and the timing of him getting there right at the chorus and the crowd still singing it after the music stopped. That was awesome the night of the Aljo foght

[@vincentaponte5726]

I wish they had included the clip of Aljo saying that Sean's reach advantage wouldnt matter. Turns out it did... Right down to the fraction of an inch. Perfection in the punch.

[@woodywood7759]

I Truly think Sean makes it looks easy against Vera. Suga has listen to everyone talk about that lose for 4 years now and he has put in the work over the recovery life and has the mindest and skills to finish chito

[@Tyr-Aus]

That he did brother 🤙

[@mixedmartialanarchist6469]

The part they didn’t show was when O’Malley was actually damaging Vera’s legs with leg strikes.

[@perryf.5844]

Super well done. Really paints an awesome picture of Sean and his rise/skillset. Incredible

[@nxo91]

MMA 5 years = Real Life 20 years. The sacrifice these fighters make is amazing. Appreciate fighters who protect their face and head all the time, even if it means running away from someeone.

[@RlythtnigBryce]

My favorite fighter he got me watching events live can’t ever thank him enough for that

[@ryandefranco7740]

13:11 is like some serious 300, Gladiator, Gangs of New York mercy kill shot stuff…

[@balancedboys]

"Finish Him!"...."Fatality"...Flawless Victory

[@Krow943]

"and there he goes again with the hesitation.. OHHHHHH!"

[@lezamac6]

Sean was winning, hope no one gets injured and either one wins clean

[@juniorvarcity1777]

The editing on this video is superb. The UFC is stepping up their game.

[@flash9436]

it was actually pretty trash

[@Briangolfs]

Joe Rogan confused by every O Malley finish 😂

[@saifzakaria7810]

He deserves respect.

[@justinburdette7529]

Sean is awesome and I love watching him on Nelk!!!! OG for sure!

[@travismiller1491]

The programed fake look into knee was beautiful. He always throws that into a punch. Brilliant to see that others may of seen tape and adapted a knee version and excuted it. High high level striking.

[@crazymdrive]

It was hilarious when Merab wore O'Malley's Micheal Jackson jacket. 😂

[@Mr.Sr.Jr.]

I love when everyone was talking about how he was all hype and saying that he hasn't been tested or all that nonsense. Anyone that isn't day one casual could see instantly that he had all the skills to be a champion, literally senses very first I've been betting on him and cashing in.

[@Ham_on_Rye]

Dope vid - sometimes with these “montage of a fighter”, they’re edited way way too much. This though was the exception and brilliantly produced and edited.

[@insolent_child9824]

Sean reminds me of the dude from "Kick Ass"

[@5ive-5tar]

Even the ufc knew Yan got robbed and they didn’t even try to only show OMalleys best moments 😂

[@minimonkey4770]

he did indeed whoop cheto veras ass

[@silkyjohnson7740]

With all the crazy shit going on after beating Aljo I love that his coach Tim comes over mid interview and is like hey don’t forget to call out Chito lmaooo

[@dreezysleezy335]

Sugas control to not just run in after they're on the ground and have control and respect is the best sportsmanship.

[@insanefello2934]

Still can’t believe he robbed that fight with Petr

[@LostSoulAscension]

Omalley is gonna headline ufc 300 with Yan vs Omalley 2 rematch to prove he can win again.

[@srenmadsen1947]

Still can't believe people haven't figured out how MMA fights are scored

[@tuhdaryl]

Did the UFC hire someone off the street to produce/edit this video or what?

[@sobrietyisrad33]

i was thinking the same thing, it's off rhythm

[@chrisrivera7530]

Lmao yeah this is soooo much worse than all the older "Journey to champion" videos they made. Those had narration and everything, UFC just been getting cheaper and cheaper with their promo stuff smh

[@M.aanurIsmail-ms8tq]

This guy So humble

[@VILLIANZcr]

Respects brotha you're humble honorable and goofy we can't ask for a better champion ❤

[@odysseasgalanos1011]

BRING THE VERA .

[@sallgoodman2323]

Chito!!!!!!!

[@wwejosh1928]

No

[@ashleyboultinghouse]

Chito getting smoked

[@rohanshah8808]

YAN DEFEATED THIS DUDE..they robbed him

[@Boltongwatong]

Come n fight me who robbed him😂

[@priceysquirrel3489]

Cry about it

[@JECHOE]

VERY MUCH NEEDED !!

[@federalgodson]

I love watching Sean fight even against bums. He's so good with timing

[@waalex11]

Less than 100k in all the latest videos. He's not a star. Chito will KHTFO.

[@chiquita683]

🧂🐷

[@JohnJoatan]

Don’t delete your comment when Sean wins 😂

[@veratril6713]

Lmao, Sean will kill Chito chin boy 😂

[@vrases9910]

Dude instantly runs to the comments to hate your life must be depressing man😭

[@robertcrowley4599]

What does being a star have to do with fight performance? It has no bearing. He is a champion and if he wins the interest will grow.

[@BJW39]

That Yan fight was so damn close could've went either way. And Aljo really fumbled the bag trying to go toe for toe with O'Malley and over extended a guy way taller than him. Really was Sean's time lol.

[@tamzvideos]

That Yan fight was an obv. 30-28 or 30-27 for Yan. It wasn't close at all, it was pretty clear that Yan won but keep changing the narrative. Just admit that the UFC needed a new 'star' and sacrificed Yan for their agenda.

[@teamakaruijapan1353]

@@tamzvideos Followed that with an early stoppage for the belt.

[@Tyr-Aus]

​@@tamzvideos Alright Stevie Wonder. 29-28 could of gone either way.

[@nickc3213]

I have seen every fight, damn near life. It was nice revisiting those.

[@giorgikhachvani5603]

22:58 That cheeky peek from Merab is the best part of this video

[@edgarsanchez3441]

Sean is the best a great soul for sure God bless him 🙏

[@yenohtnA]

5:40 Tim (Sean’s coach) getting emotional when sean is talking to Rogan after that 2yr layoff is why those 2 are on top of the world. Such a tight knit bond. Let’s keep this train rolling and right this Chito wrong

[@al69420]

Shoutout joe during the interview at 5:07 for understanding it was hard for Sean to talk and allowing him to just take in the moment rather than prying at him for answers.

[@Okayzy]

I love how Joe gave him really open ended questions and didn’t put too much pressure on him he’s a great addition to the ufc.

[@surfin90]

This gave me chills been rooting for Suga since contender series so awesome

[@richardmurrin8573]

HERE WE GO

[@krisstiwalton2623]

the way sean knocks people out is like playing a video game you already beat just trying to get to the boss again flying through the lower levels 🤣with ease

[@al69420]

0:42 was the most hilarious nonchalant knockout ever 😂

[@animekrayz5585]

Tuning in to my first ppv 🔥 excited to see this man and MVP

[@bishyeahbish3758]

I'm not a fan of the showing off/the talking/the pantomime nonsense BUT it has to be said that he has what it takes to be at the top of his division and that he is a great fighter. Not many 135lb skinny guys who can knock out grown men for fun but he's definitely one of them. He is questionable as a man imo but his fighting is all he should be judged on, even if he does plaster himself across social media too much for me personally. If he beats Vera then a lot of people will have to eat some humble pie. Hopefully be a great fight I can't wait. Good luck to both gentlemen 🙏🏻👊🏻

[@andrewc2381]

Sean is that guy. Even Khabib knows.

[@thanuraronen7065]

O'Malley 👊♥️

[@codedestroy680]

I remember watching him in Helena at the fairgrounds back in high school. Never would’ve believed he would be here, good for him!

[@haseebr7438]

Was he fighting ?

[@codedestroy680]

@@haseebr7438 yes, I think he started fighting our sophomore year before that he was just a decent wrestler.

[@KC-ix9mn]

Love stuff like this

[@Hyndez]

This should be titled "The true love story between Suga Sean and Joe Rogan"

[@michaelvasquez5403]

Young man is a beast

[@rmabjjonlinetraining1216]

A great podcast 👏 It was great to see Michael Archer. What a fantastic story. Well done Archie!

[@bonginkosinsindeni1117]

No one is talking about his coach, the coach ia also genius

[@derekdavis8054]

Tim is the dangerous one he see so much even when they fighting that's why it was put in here...Sean did exactly what Tim told him and that's why he won the Yan fight I think....

[@maximiione9536]

That "i wanna be bigger than connor" got me goosebumps tho dangg!

[@JohnNOHUD]

Watched his career grow amazing

[@donfransisco9404]

what a journey!!!! two people in the top 15 wow! amazing

[@user-mx7ry4uo8y]

DC saying " Oh My Goodness he slept him bad" in the Wineland fihht will always be the pinnacle of MMA Commentating 😂

[@macurlyfries]

This was a decent little doc

[@user-tq3kx4hq3b]

Behind every success there is a HARD WORK.

[@richardromero8049]

Damn bro I’m finally at the age where I can say I’ve seen someone grow to their success

[@Stay_True95]

"If you dont know, now you know"🔥

[@wcc4269]

Sean is underrated

[@OliverWattsLLC]

I’ve been watching O’Malley since he started, he’s going to be one of the best!

[@SuperSilver316]

Only thing that can stop Sean is Sarms and Chito’s pinpoint leg kicking accuracy 😂

[@bishyeahbish3758]

I was certain aljo was gonna start complaining and saying that it was stopped too soon but I'm glad he had the sense to see things as they actually were. I'm not a fan of aljo but I do respect the fact that he took his L like a man and didn't cry about it