'It is weird,' Sean O’Malley and coach on the hype around Umar Nurmagomedov for fight against Cory Sandhagen

Contrary to the opinion of Team Nurmagomedov, O’Malley’s manager, Tim Welch, didn’t think Nurmagomedov would walk through Sandhagen. Moreover, he even stated Sandhagen had a skillset on par with Ilia Topuria, the UFC’s featherweight champion.

Sean O’Malley’s latest fight was at UFC 299, defending the bantamweight title against Marlon Vera in the main event. UFC 306 at the Las Vegas Sphere, against Dvalishvili, is likely next for “Suga.” Meanwhile, the next PPV is UFC 302, headlined by Islam Makachev vs. Dustin Poirier, and O’Malley excitingly awaits the event.

Sean O’Malley and coach previews UFC 302 co-main event

Paulo Costa vs. Sean Strickland is the co-main event of UFC 302. The middleweight matchup is shaping up to be an exciting fight, particularly due to the fighter’s hilarious interaction on social media. The victor might inch closer to a title shot but would likely have to fight again before a title shot.

Khmazat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker is the number one contender fight, officially announced by Dana White . Strickland is a sizeable favorite in the fight, but O’Malley and his coach don’t think the fight would go according to the oddsmaker’s prediction.

Paulo Costa vs. [Sean Strickland] Strickland is going to be interesting because Paulo Costa is so dangerous. He doesn't throw a lot of combos, but Strickland's going to pressure him. I'm curious if that's going to be five rounds...That's not an easy fight for either of them. That's a fu**ing banger. Tim Welch via Timbo Sugarshow

Costa vs. Strickland is five rounds, which many think would favor the American. The victor would likely face the winner of Jared Cannonier vs. Nassourdine Imavov for a potential number-one contender fight. The next title fight at middleweight, though not announced, is between champion Dricus Du Plessis and ex-champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.