BREAKING: Sean O’Malley Returns to UFC Action at UFC 269 Against Number 15 Ranked Bantamweight

Published 09/30/2021, 11:34 PM EDT

UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley is set to take on number 15 ranked Raulian Paiva at UFC 269. O’Malley has been chasing fights on Twitter recently as he called out Dominick Cruz and Pedro Munhoz. However, both men were matched up with each other and O’Malley was seemingly out in the cold.

He is now set to compete on the same card against a fellow prospect who pulled off a career-best win. Paiva defeated Kyler Phillips in his last contest and some MMA fans were taken aback by his performance under the bright lights. While some contested his decision win, several fans thought he did enough to earn to upset over Phillips.

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As it stands, the bantamweight division is chalked with a talented pool of contenders looking to make their mark. However, the top of the division is log-jammed with the undisputed champion sidelined due to injury. This leaves room for contenders like O’Malley and Paiva to make major moves to climb the rankings.

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Sean O’Malley: Looking to make his mark

‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley is fresh off a blistering win over Kris Moutinho and he’s riding a two-fight win streak. The 14-1 fighter has suffered but a single setback in his career when he faced off against Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera at UFC 252. Barring the loss, he has scored KO after KO over promising names and he’ll look to repeat his success against Paiva.

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O’Malley recently spoke about being content to fight unranked opponents whom he believed were easier match-ups. While he faced some flak for his comments, he clearly has his sights set on being champion of the division. His recent call-outs of Cruz and Munhoz showcase that he’s willing to take on the very best that the division has to offer.

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Paiva is ranked number 15 and could be the name O’Malley needs on his resume to begin his ascension up the ranks. There are plenty of exciting fights on the horizon if he succeeds in putting on a good show for the fans. As it stands, he has delivered violent finishes and there’s nothing to indicate that he won’t chase the finish again.

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Darryl Pinto is a senior MMA writer at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Mass Media (with a specialization in Journalism) out of Xavier’s College and has a year's experience in his current role. Darryl specializes in predictions, reporting, and covering UFC events live.

BREAKING: Sean O’Malley Returns to UFC Action at UFC 269 Against Number 15 Ranked Bantamweight

Sean O’Malley: Looking to make his mark

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