A resurfaced clip from 2013 has gone viral, showcasing UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley’s impressive boxing skills long before his rise to MMA stardom.
In the footage, a young and relatively tattoo-free O’Malley can be seen dominating his opponent inside the boxing ring during what appears to be an amateur bout. Despite his now-trademark vibrant hairstyles being absent, O’Malley’s agility and aggressive striking are on full display.
Throughout the brief clip, O’Malley relentlessly pressures his adversary, unleashing a barrage of slick combinations and sending him to the canvas multiple times. The 29-year-old phenom’s dynamic footwork and timing are already evident, showcasing the skills that would later make him a fan favorite in the UFC.
The highlight comes when O’Malley uncorks a massive right hand that floors his opponent, rendering him unconscious and bringing the match to a dramatic conclusion.
While O’Malley would eventually find his calling in mixed martial arts, this resurfaced video provides a fascinating glimpse into his combat sports origins and foreshadows his development into one of the UFC’s most exciting strikers.
Since joining the UFC in 2017, O’Malley has compiled an impressive 18-1-1 professional record, capturing the bantamweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Marlon Vera at UFC 292 in March. He is currently slated to make his first title defense against top contender Merab Dvalishvili, though a date and location have not been announced.
As the clip continues to circulate on social media, many fans have voiced their desire to see O’Malley test his boxing skills against high-profile pugilists like Ryan Garcia. However, with a long list of challengers awaiting him in the UFC’s talented 135-pound division, such a boxing match may have to wait.
For now, this viral video serves as a reminder of O’Malley’s lifelong striking prowess and the incredible journey that has led him to the top of the UFC’s bantamweight mountain.