The year 2024 has witnessed some incredible performances inside the Octagon by various fighters. Fighters from different weight classes put on a show for the fans inside the Octagon. But who exactly deserves the title of the best fighter of the year? Some fighters have had a dream run inside the Octagon, and the experts will struggle to pick the best. Looking at the recent performances, Alex Pereira is the number one contender for the spot, with many even hailing him as the new ‘Face of MMA’. However, a former UFC fighter picked Sean O’Malley as his favorite and he had a strong reason behind the same.

Current bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley is one of the growing names in the sport. The 29-year-old is known for his outstanding fighting skills and his charismatic nature. ‘Suga’ put on a show for the fans when he took on Marlon Vera at UFC 299. He won the fight via decision and impressed one and all with his growth as a fighter. This is why Chael Sonnen feels he is the fighter of the year. During the latest episode of ‘Good Guy/ Bad Guy’ podcast, ‘DC’ asked Chael Sonnen about his favorite fighter of the year. Sonnen was quick to respond as he claimed, “You’re looking at the male fighter of the year I’m going with Sean O’Malley.” 

Sonnen then gave his reasons for picking him as his favorite. He said, “I am factoring a couple of things in first off when Suga Sean fought Chito Vera. I did not know Sean was that good. I believed that Sean was the best guy in the world. There are guys that could beat him. But he could beat them as well.”

Sonnen pointed out as to how he was impressed with the way ‘Suga’ handled the pressure of their rematch. The pair previously fought each other at UFC 252 and O’Malley lost the fight because of an injury. This was O’Malley’s first loss in the UFC, which stunned many. However, in their second meeting, the champion defended his title successfully and impressed one and all, including Sonnen.

‘Suga’ is yet to make an appearance after his UFC 299 victory. And it now seems that he eyeing a return at the UFC sphere event.

Sean O’Malley shows his desire to compete in the sphere next

The UFC sphere event in September is without a doubt one of the biggest events of the promotion. Most fighters have shown their willingness to feature in the event. Current bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley also wants to do the same. The arena is known for being a visual spectacle, which has now caught the attention of ‘Suga’. After his emphatic title defense at UFC 299, the champion now wants to feature in the sphere next.

The 29-year-old was present in the commentary box during the recently concluded boxing fight between Diaz and Masvidal. He impressed one and all with his commentary skills but took out time to give an update about his plans. O’Malley said, “Hoping for the sphere in Vegas but if not it’ll be in DECEMBER, we are pushing for it (The Sphere) but nothing confirmed,”. 

It seems the champion is only focused on defending his title in Vegas itself. However, there is no announcement about his next fight by the UFC. With O’Malley coming out and showing his interest, it will be interesting to see whether he gets a nod ahead or not. Not only ‘Suga’, but many more fighters have shown their willingness to compete at the Sphere.

Do you think Sean O’Malley will get an opportunity to feature at the UFC Sphere event next? Let us know in the comments below.