Ilia Topuria walks away from Sean O'Malley clash: 'People know I'm better'

Ilia Topuria with the UFC belt. Photo: Reproduction.

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A defeat to Merab Dvalishvili not only stripped Sean O'Malley of his UFC bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg) title, but also appears to have hampered future fights for the American. In an interview with the YouTube channel of the Spanish newspaper 'Marca', Ilia Topuria stated that he had no interest in facing 'Suga'.

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“Some other better fight will come along. It’s the same with Paddy (Pimblett). It looked like a super attractive fight, but if you’re not at the level, what can I do? You’re beaten before you even get in the Octagon with me. I don’t even have to get in there for people to know I’m better than you. So why fight?” said the featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg.), opponent of Max Holloway No. UFC 308.

After the victory over Marlon Vera in March, in UFC 299, O'Malley arrived at challenge Georgian/Spanish. Later, Topuria came to consider a fight against the North American, if the then owner of the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2 kg) managed to successfully defend his title.

Sean O'Malley

Overcome by Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision in the main fight of the UFC 306, Sean O' Malley was defeated for the second time in his career, losing the belt. The fighter later announced that he will need to undergo hip surgery in October.