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Sean O’Malley, the flashy former UFC bantamweight champion, is eager to get back into action but might not return to the octagon until next summer. Following his loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 307, where the Georgian fighter wrestled his way to a unanimous decision victory and took the title, O’Malley announced plans to undergo surgery for a lingering hip injury. The procedure, which has sidelined the 29-year-old, could keep him out for several months.
O’Malley provided an update on his recovery through his YouTube channel, expressing optimism about his return.
“Got surgery Thursday, today’s Saturday, it’s been f*cking two days,” O’Malley said. “I feel f*cking great. I feel great. I’m going to come back better than ever.”
Despite feeling strong post-surgery, O’Malley acknowledged the need to take a measured approach to his recovery.
While fans may want to see “Suga” back in action as soon as possible, O’Malley emphasized that he plans to return when fully prepared, aiming for a comeback in April, May, or June at the latest.
“I want to get these fights in while I’m still young enough,” he stated, noting that he’s turning 30 this month and eager to make the most of his prime years in MMA.
O’Malley’s loss to Dvalishvili halted a seven-fight unbeaten streak (which included one no-contest) that featured his rise to bantamweight gold. The division, widely regarded as one of the deepest in MMA, may look very different when O’Malley returns. As Dvalishvili prepares for his first title defense, he has hinted at a rematch with O’Malley, though undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov is expected to be the Georgian’s next challenger.
For now, O’Malley remains focused on his recovery, determined to regain his position at the top of the 135-pound division.
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