UFC’s bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley, has revealed that the promotion has denied him the opportunity to don his iconic pink shorts for his upcoming title defense against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306.
Speaking to The Schmo in an interview, O’Malley, who is renowned for his impeccable fashion sense, expressed his disappointment at not being able to showcase his signature look. “They (the UFC) wouldn’t let me, they gave me one option and it was black and gold. Not mad about it, I did like the pink but it’ll just make the pink that much more exciting the next time I get to wear them,” he said.
O’Malley’s pink shorts have become a symbol of his unique personality and style, and fans have come to expect the vibrant hue when he steps into the Octagon. However, the promotion has chosen to override his preference, mandating that the champion wear the more traditional black and gold attire befitting a titleholder.
Despite the setback, O’Malley remains focused on the task at hand, as he prepares to face the formidable Dvalishvili, the number one contender in the bantamweight division. The matchup, scheduled to take place on Mexican Independence Day, is being touted as a potential “greatest live sporting event of all time.”
In a separate interview, O’Malley also weighed in on the upcoming featherweight title fight between the reigning champion, Ilia Topuria, and the former champion, Max Holloway. Sharing his thoughts with UFC veteran Michael Bisping on the “Believe You Me” podcast, O’Malley predicted that Holloway would emerge victorious, stating, “I think Max gets the job done.”
Furthermore, O’Malley revealed his aspirations to one day move up to the featherweight division and challenge Holloway for a second championship belt. “Following the trend to acquire a second belt, O’Malley wishes to move up to featherweight and take on Holloway after he potentially wins against ‘El Matador,'” he said.
