O’Malley’s Unexpected Admiration for Topuria
Sean O’Malley doesn’t hand out compliments lightly, but after what Ilia Topuria pulled off at UFC 317, he had no choice. The ‘Suga Show’ found himself awe-struck by Topuria’s explosive knockout win over Charles Oliveira, a finish that instantly turned heads across the MMA world. O’Malley, always one to speak his mind, labeled Topuria a bona fide ‘superstar’ right in the post-fight buzz, giving a reluctant tip of the hat to the new face in the division.
O’Malley singled out Topuria’s striking as what separates him from the rest of the lightweight pack. He’s no stranger to flashy knockouts himself, but he went as far as to say Topuria’s hands and fight IQ put him among the all-time greats. Not every day do you hear a reigning champion admit to being glad he didn’t face a rival. But O’Malley openly said he was relieved the UFC never made that match-up, joking, ‘Thank god they didn’t make that fight.’
Changing Tunes After UFC 317
It wasn’t always this way. Not too long ago, O’Malley was calling out Topuria, eager to test himself against the hard-hitting Georgian. The confidence is nothing new for O’Malley, but now he admits he might have been a bit hasty. Watching Topuria coldly dethrone Oliveira in dramatic fashion clearly left an impression even this brash star couldn’t play off.
Topuria’s victory wasn’t just another notch on his record. It snatched the lightweight championship right from Oliveira, a former champ known for his own finishing ability. For Topuria, this wasn’t just about winning a belt—it was a statement. O’Malley’s response? A complete shift in attitude, going from challenger to fan. He made it clear: this is one guy he’s happy not to face anytime soon.
You don’t see current champions often speak with such honesty about the dangers they see in others. But O’Malley, a man whose confidence is practically his brand, acknowledged the sheer firepower Topuria brings. He didn’t mince words—Topuria is not just good; he’s knockout royalty and a true superstar in the making.
The MMA world thrives on rivalries and callouts, but sometimes, you get a rare moment when admiration trumps ego. O’Malley’s candid reaction sums up what makes this sport impossible to script: every once in a while, someone comes along who makes even the most confident champions rethink everything they thought they knew.
