Ryan Garcia vs. Sean O’Malley in the Octagon?

Ryan Garcia vs. Sean O’Malley: Ryan Garcia and UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley have engaged in a verbal exchange following Garcia's recent callout of O’Malley. Despite having a scheduled bout against Devin Haney on April 20, Garcia has expressed interest in other potentially lucrative fights. In a surprising move, Garcia set his sights on O’Malley, sparking a debate between MMA and boxing fans.

Garcia took to social media, stating that he would fight O’Malley under MMA rules for the right price. O’Malley responded, warning Garcia that he would defeat him quickly inside the Octagon. Garcia then called on UFC CEO Dana White to make the fight happen, challenging O’Malley to a bout.

However, White and the UFC have been hesitant to entertain MMA-boxing crossovers, citing past issues with Showtime Boxing during the Mayweather vs. McGregor buildup in 2017. Garcia is currently signed with Golden Boy Promotions, and given Dana White's publicized issues with Oscar De La Hoya, it seems unlikely that Garcia would secure a UFC fight anytime soon.

Despite the obstacles, surprises are not uncommon in combat sports, so the possibility of a Garcia vs. O’Malley fight cannot be completely ruled out. For now, Garcia must focus on his upcoming bout with Haney, while O’Malley prepares for his fight against Marlon “Chito” Vera at UFC 299 on March 9.