Is Umar Nurmagomedov the Undisputed Bantamweight King? That's the question on everyone's mind, especially after hearing the high praise from former UFC Bantamweight Champion, Sean O'Malley. Let's dive in!
Recently, O'Malley weighed in on the UFC 321 card held in Abu Dhabi last month, where Nurmagomedov secured a unanimous decision victory against the rising star, Mario Bautista. "Sugar" O'Malley didn't hold back, showering Nurmagomedov with accolades for his comprehensive skillset and the strength of his team. He boldly stated that Nurmagomedov is, skill-for-skill, one of the best fighters in the division, if not the best.
On his YouTube channel, O'Malley enthusiastically declared, "Umar is so fuc*ing good... He's so skilled, such a good striker, so good at grappling, just got such a good team behind him… Skill for skill, I feel like he’s one of the best guys in the division, if not the best guy in the division.”
But here's where it gets interesting... O'Malley (with a record of 18-3) and Nurmagomedov (boasting a record of 19-1) are two top contenders who have yet to face each other in the octagon. O'Malley, in his quest for a title shot, once sidestepped the idea of fighting Nurmagomedov. He went on to defeat Aljamain Sterling, defended his title against Marlon Vera, and then faced a loss against Merab Dvalishvili. O'Malley's attempt to reclaim the title against Dvalishvili this past June was unsuccessful, and he hasn't fought since. Dvalishvili (with a record of 21-4) also defended his title against Nurmagomedov between his two title fights against O'Malley. Nurmagomedov's victory over Bautista marked his comeback after his only career loss to Dvalishvili.
And this is the part most people miss... The dynamics of the bantamweight division are incredibly complex, with a web of rivalries and missed opportunities. O'Malley's perspective carries weight, given his experience at the top.
Controversy & Comment Hooks: Do you agree with O'Malley's assessment of Nurmagomedov's skills? Could a fight between these two have changed the course of the division? Share your thoughts below!
