
via Imago
Credits: Imago

via Imago
Credits: Imago
Sean O’Malley‘s win at UFC 292 was a spectacular one. Aljamain Sterling, who was the former Bantamweight champion, reached for a shot, but O’Malley dogged it and countered with his own. Now, O’Malley is living his dream as the UFC champ. Dana White is also quite happy with the way things turned out at UFC 292.
However, as is the case with every champion, Sean O’Malley has a big target on his back. Now that he has become the champion, he is expected to have his first title defense and sources suggest that it would be this year itself. However, who his opponent will be hasn’t been decided yet. There are a few names in the hat and it seems Bantamweight legend Henry Cejudo has just made his attempt at starting a beef with O’Malley.
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Another name in the hat for Sean O’Malley – Henry Cejudo claps back with hopes of a title shot
Ever since Sean O’Malley won the Bantamweight title, all people can talk about is who the newly crowned champion will fight next. His impressive win at UFC 292 has set the bar quite high and people are wondering if ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley can make the magic happen once again.
There are already a few prominent names that are being considered for a title shot against O’Malley, but now there is another. Former UFC champ Henry Cejudo is the latest entrant in the game. After O’Malley’s win, Cejudo expressed interest in fighting him for the title. However, O’Malley dismissed the idea of fighting Cejudo and poked fun at his short stature.
Not as short as your title run is gonna be you walking tampon. See you in December. #TheElfStrikesBack https://t.co/67NnHrBrRJ
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) August 22, 2023
Cejudo is definitely not one to sit back and take it. He immediately responded to O’Malley’s tweet with one of his own, where he hinted at a possible fight in December – for the Bantamweight title.
Now, it boils down to who Dana White will pick to fight his new champion for the division title. Fighters like Merab Dvalishvili (who is Aljamain Sterling’s best friend), Cory Sandhagen, and Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera are some of the names that might be seen in his next fight card.
Fans react to Henry Cejudo trying to roast Sean O’Malley
Besides being the rightful owner of the Bantamweight title, Sean O’Malley is also really popular among the people. He has a huge following and his loyal followers are always ready to go to battle for him. Hence, when Cejudo called O’Malley names and said he would see him in December, the fans immediately reacted to his ‘wishful thinking’.

via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: (L-R) SeanO’Malley prepares to fight Kris Moutinho in their Bantamweight bout during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. (Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Some fans trolled him about his ‘retirement’ after UFC 249.
Didn’t you retire?
— Tbone (@vegastbone) August 22, 2023
Time to retire like you say AFTER EVERY SINGLE LOSS
— tradoholix (@tradoholix) August 22, 2023
Another fan mercilessly roasted him and his comment.
The elf strikes back is good. I’d say you’re 50:50 on a funny to unbearable ratio tonight
— Combat’s Badboys (@combatsbadboys) August 22, 2023
Others seemed convinced that Cejudo would not be considered for a title fight since he had only just come out of his ‘retirement’.
Bro you sit out for 3 years, come back and lose, and now think you can just walk into a title fight again?😭💀
— Combat Sports Insider (@combat_insider) August 22, 2023
You are not next in line…
— Emperor Kaash 🇳🇬🇬🇭 (@EmperorKaash) August 22, 2023
Another fan called him “cringe” and “desperate“.
Cringe and desperate. Sit down and stay there.
— Richard Suazo (@RichardESuazo) August 22, 2023
Others seemed to be of the opinion that Dana White would try and protect his new champion at all costs and therefore, wouldn’t pit him against Cejudo this quick.
Do you think Dana would allow you to fight him? You are a nightmare match up for him.
— Rumblo (@Rumblestripss) August 22, 2023
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Dana would never put Cejudo or Volk against O’Malley
— MG (@__MG007) August 22, 2023
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In the UFC, anything can happen at any time. There is no saying that Cejudo might not be next in line for a title shot. That being said, statically speaking, his chances of being next in line do seem bleak. Who do you think Sean O’Malley will fight in his first title defense? Let us know your thoughts on this, in the comments below.
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