“I Don’t Think That’s Okay”- Sean O’Malley on Transgender Fighter Alana McLaughlin Making Her MMA Debut
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“I Don’t Think That’s Okay”- Sean O’Malley on Transgender Fighter Alana McLaughlin Making Her MMA Debut
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 07: Sean O’Malley is interviewed after his victory over Jose Quinonez in their bantamweight fight during the UFC 248 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 07, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 07: Sean O’Malley is interviewed after his victory over Jose Quinonez in their bantamweight fight during the UFC 248 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 07, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Sean O’Malley recently gave the fans his take on a heated topic of discussion in the combat sports world: transgender fighters in MMA.
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While this isn’t the first time a transgender fighter has fought in the cage, Alana McLaughlin’s MMA debut in Combate Global prelims has once again sparked a debate surrounding the controversial topic.
Alana McLaughlin is a former United States special forces soldier who underwent a gender change operation in 2010. Having practiced MMA for a year, she recently came out on top in her MMA debut against Celine Provost.
Although McLaughlin had to endure considerable punishment in the first round, she was able to get to her opponent’s back and sink in a rear-naked choke for the win.
Nevertheless, as one can imagine, fighters and fans of the sport were quick to express their disappointment with the entire event.
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UFC bantamweight star Sean O’Malley also had a few thoughts about the issue, making the following statement in a recent appearance on his podcast.
“I don’t think that’s okay. I just don’t think that’s okay,” O’Malley said. “In just competing in sports, I mean, especially mixed martial arts. It’s like she had testosterone for, who knows, 20 to 30 years of her life, and now I’m a girl. You could tell that’s a dude. A jacked girl. I mean, look at those arms.”
When will Sean O’Malley return to the octagon?
Having made his UFC debut back in 2017, Suga Sean O’Malley has quickly become one of the biggest stars in the UFC. His fighting style, combined with his charisma, has made him a fan favorite in a short period.
After suffering his first loss against Marlon Vera at UFC 252, O’Malley is on a two-fight win streak. He will now look to fight a top ten opponent next.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 15: (L-R) Sean O’Malley kicks Marlon Vera of Ecuador in their bantamweight bout during the UFC 252 event at UFC APEX on August 15, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Interestingly, O’Malley did receive the opportunity to fight UFC veteran Frankie Edgar in New York at UFC 268. However, the 26-year-old declined the bout, citing the heavy taxes in New York as the reason.
Nevertheless, one can expect the phenom to face a step up in the level of competition soon. Perhaps a fight with Dominick Cruz or Marlon Moraes would make sense at this point?
What do you think? When will Sean O’Malley return to the octagon? Let us know in the comments.
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