Sean O'Malley Inks 8-Fight Extension with UFC: Rising Bantamweight Contender Ready for Title Shot

Sean O'Malley is set to stay with the UFC for a while longer, as the bantamweight contender has signed an eight-fight contract extension with the promotion. The news was announced by UFC President Dana White on Saturday, with O'Malley confirming the deal through his podcast, which he had negotiated himself after becoming his own manager.

O'Malley expressed his satisfaction with the deal, saying, "I got a very gracious contract that I’m proud of. I got a number that I’m very happy with. I truly don’t think any manager that I had could have gone in there and got me what I got. That also helps with the relationship built with the UFC. I feel like I have earned this contract. I feel like I have earned the amount that I’m getting paid.”

The new contract extension with O'Malley makes sense for the UFC, especially as the 28-year-old fighter is rapidly approaching title contention following his victory over former bantamweight champion Petr Yan last October. O'Malley has established himself as one of the UFC's most marketable stars, with an 8-1 record and one no-contest through 10 fights with the organization. Currently, he is riding a five-fight unbeaten streak, with his only UFC loss coming via TKO against Marlon Vera in 2020.

There are indications that O'Malley may receive a title shot in his next fight, but that will depend on when reigning UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling returns to action. Sterling is currently targeting a May fight against Henry Cejudo, which means O'Malley may have to wait until at least the second half of 2023 for his shot at the title.

Regardless, O'Malley is locked in with the UFC for the foreseeable future, and fans can look forward to seeing more of him in the Octagon as he awaits his next assignment. With his impressive record, marketability, and now a secure contract, O'Malley is poised to make his mark as a UFC champion.