Former UFC champion admits to being envious of Ilia Topuria for an unusual reason.

Ilia Topuria poses with two UFC belts after victory against Charles of the Bronx. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Sean O'Malley admitted to feeling envious when observing the new level achieved by Ilia Topuria in combat sports. The Spaniard is preparing to defend his lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) in main fight UFC White House, on June 14th, against Justin gaethje In a confrontation that will likely be one of the most watched in history. However, the former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2kg) makes it clear that the bad feeling stems from an achievement outside the octagon.

In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Sean O'Malley explained that his envy of the Spaniard wasn't related to the fight itself, but to Topuria's recent partnership with the luxury brand Richard Mille, noting that he couldn't remember the last time he had experienced that kind of reaction.

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"I hadn't felt jealous in a long time, and I felt it when Ilia signed with Richard Mille," she said. Sean O'Malley.

Ilia Topuria joins Richard Mille's select 'family'

Undefeated with 17 career wins and two UFC belts, Ilia Topuria He became the first combat sports athlete to join the select 'family' of partners of the luxury watch brand Richard Mille.

With the partnership, Topuria joins Rafael Nadal Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Fernando Belasteguín, Pharrell Williams, Michelle Yeoh, Wayde van Niekerk, Bubba Watson, Didier Drogba, Nafi Thiam and Yohan Blake.

Richard Mille just announced a new partnership with Ilia Topuria 👀

(via @Richard_Mille) pic.twitter.com/5OveQLoXBz

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 25, 2026