Sean O’Malley (18-1) has accomplished a lot in the UFC. From his time as UFC bantamweight champion to defeating Aljamain Sterling, the Montana native has had an illustrious career in MMA. However, “Suga” has his eyes set on another ring.
O’Malley has expressed interest in fighting boxer Ryan Garcia. The controversial figure had a similar response: “Prepare for rainbows.” As a result, the two fighter jets appear to be headed for a collision course.
But can the UFC bantamweight champion pull off the perfect transition? Or will he be doomed against the controversial boxer? Introducing all-time UFC fighters who have stepped into the boxing ring.
Sean O’Malley isn’t the first
Sean O’Malley isn’t the first UFC fighter to attempt a boxing crossover. In 2017, Conor McGregor faced boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a boxing match at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In the “Money Fight,” Mayweather Jr. defeated the Irishman by TKO in the 10th round.
Other UFC superstars have also branched out into the world of boxing, including Nate Diaz and Anderson Silva. Fights with guys like Jake Paul led such MMA fighters to choose boxing as a career path after the UFC.
Will O’Malley make it?
A switch to boxing would be an interesting choice for O’Malley. But this will be an easier transition for the Montana native. He is known for his hitting and will have no problem hitting his opponents.
However, it is Ryan Garcia’s left hook that is likely to be a problem for Sean O’Malley. Garcia, from Los Alamitos, crushed Devin Haney with hooks on Saturday, knocking him down three times throughout the fight, resulting in Garcia winning by unanimous decision.
O’Malley should have no problem switching to boxing given his ability, but he may run into a freight train in Garcia. Haney learned this on Saturday. Conor McGregor learned the hard way of boxing after losing to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2017. However, for SUGA, this is just a new challenge to tackle.
