“I have a lot of knockout finishes that are still to come.” That is how Sean O’Malley put it after UFC 250, and a walk-off knockout against former WEC bantamweight champ Eddie Wineland.
O’Malley (12-0) now owns four wins inside the octagon, but the knockout of Wineland is unquestionably his most impressive. The veteran was supposed to be a test for O’Malley. A chance to see if he was ready for the next level. “The Sugar Show” was in full swing on Saturday in Las Vegas, and he passed that test with flying colors.
Which means, what exactly? Another step up, perhaps. “That’s kind of up to the UFC. A main event almost sounds right. Sounds like something that should probably get done,” O’Malley told media outlets including Cageside Press backstage at the UFC Apex.
“Hopefully I’ll sit down with Sean Shelby, figure out what’s next. But yeah, a main event sounds nice,” he added.
There might be more to that talk than just who and where he fights next, mind you. O’Malley has been vocal about renegotiating his contract of late. Getting paid what he’s worth. It comes at a time when Jon Jones, Jorge Masvidal, Nate Diaz and others are hounding the UFC on the subject of fighter pay.
“I think our situation is probably a little different,” O’Malley observed. “Those guys have had big fights, and a lot of fights, big wins. I’m not asking for a lot. Literally, what I was asking for is still less than everyone made tonight. So I just want it to be fair.”
After all, he pointed out, “I think the whole week was kind of about the Sugar Show.” That, and re-negotiations were supposed to take place earlier this year. “I was supposed to renegotiate after I knocked out Jose [Quinonez], and it didn’t happen. And it sucks that I even have to bring that stuff up, and it has to be about money. It shouldn’t have to be. It should be pretty fair, I think it should be something we all agree on. I definitely just want to get paid what I feel I’m worth.”
During a virtual post-fight media scrum later in the night, O’Malley clarified that while he wants to renegotiate his UFC deal, it won’t stop him from competing.
“It’s not necessarily about the money. I’m going to fight,” he stated. “If the UFC is like ‘no, you’re not worth it,’ I’ll be upset. That’s it. It kind of sucks. I love fighting. I’m never not going to fight just because of money. I’m going to continue to keep fighting. I just want it to be fair.”
Lest you think all is doom and gloom with O’Malley, don’t worry, it’s not. While he’s not one to crack a smile, he did tell us that “I’m happy. This is awesome. I f*cking love this. I’m happy. I am enjoying this moment, I’ve enjoyed the entire fight week. I’ve enjoyed all of today. I’m very happy right now.”
