Sean O’Malley, coming off back-to-back losses to UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, has proposed a swift return to the octagon by facing top contender Cory Sandhagen. After UFC 316, where O’Malley was decisively finished by Dvalishvili, he expressed his willingness to compete on short notice, aiming to secure a fight on the July pay-per-view card.

In a recent interview, O’Malley revealed that once a planned co-main event for UFC 318 was canceled, he reached out to the UFC to offer a matchup against Sandhagen. He emphasized his desire for a three-week turnaround fight, hoping to remain active despite recent setbacks.

Context Surrounding UFC 318 and Sandhagen’s Upcoming Title Challenge

UFC 318 was headlined by the retirement bout of Dustin Poirier, who fought Max Holloway and ultimately lost by decision. The event’s primary focus was to honor Poirier’s career, limiting opportunities for other high-profile matches. Meanwhile, Cory Sandhagen is scheduled to challenge Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title at UFC 320 in October.

O’Malley acknowledged that the UFC’s decision to have Sandhagen face Dvalishvili next was logical given the title implications, but he still sees a fight between himself and Sandhagen as highly intriguing and likely to happen soon.

I was actually trying to fight Cory [Sandhagen] when the co-main event fell out for that Max and Dustin fight [card],

O’Malley said on the Overdogs Podcast.

I threw my name out to the UFC. Three weeks, me vs. Cory would be sweet.

It didn’t make sense for the UFC,

O’Malley added.

Cory vs. Merab is the fight was the next fight to make.

But, yeah. Me vs. Cory is a very interesting fight. That’s one that’s bound to happen sooner than later.

O’Malley’s Insight on Merab Dvalishvili, Cory Sandhagen, and the Bantamweight Title Fight

Having spent close to 40 minutes battling Dvalishvili, nicknamed “The Machine,” O’Malley is well-acquainted with the champion’s strengths and durability. His experience informs his perspective on how the upcoming title fight between Sandhagen and Dvalishvili may unfold.

Me and Cory have very similar styles,

O’Malley noted, highlighting Sandhagen’s ability to create scrambles and maintain strong defensive positions, especially against grapplers like Umar. He pointed out contrasts in grappling techniques between Umar and Merab, emphasizing Dvalishvili’s superior physical strength and endurance.

But, man, I think if Merab can get a hold of Cory, I just don’t see… Merab felt just so strong, and just really strong in certain positions. His gas tank is ridiculous. I don’t know. If I had to guess, Merab [wins], but it’s hard for me to count Cory out because I do think Cory, skill for skill, is one of the best guys in the UFC.

Implications for Future Matchups and UFC Bantamweight Division

O’Malley’s offer to fight Sandhagen quickly demonstrates his eagerness to rebound and re-establish himself among the bantamweight contenders. His respect for both Dvalishvili and Sandhagen underscores the competitive nature of the division, where physicality and technical skills combine to shape title contention.

Given Sandhagen’s scheduled title shot this October, a matchup between O’Malley and Sandhagen could provide a compelling storyline leading up to or following the championship bout, depending on fight outcomes and UFC matchmaking strategies.