A former UFC bantamweight champion has stepped forward to praise the incredible skills of Umar Nurmagomedov, sparking a wave of excitement and curiosity among fans.
Sean O'Malley, a renowned fighter in his own right, has boldly proclaimed that Nurmagomedov is one of the top bantamweights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and possibly the very best. In a recent discussion about the UFC 321 card, which took place in Abu Dhabi last month, O'Malley couldn't hold back his admiration for Nurmagomedov's all-around prowess.
"Umar is incredibly skilled," O'Malley shared on his YouTube channel. "He's an exceptional striker, a master of grappling, and has an incredible support team. Skill-wise, I believe he's one of the top fighters in the division, if not the absolute best."
But here's where it gets controversial: O'Malley, with an impressive record of 18-3, and Nurmagomedov, at 19-1, have never faced each other in the octagon. O'Malley even turned down the opportunity to fight Nurmagomedov when the chance arose, opting instead to pursue a title shot.
O'Malley's journey has been a rollercoaster. He defeated Aljamain Sterling and defended his title against Marlon Vera, but then suffered a setback against Merab Dvalishvili. Despite this loss, O'Malley remains a formidable force in the division.
And this is the part most people miss: Dvalishvili, with a record of 21-4, also defended his title against Nurmagomedov between his two title fights with O'Malley. Nurmagomedov's victory over Bautista marked a rebound from his sole career loss against Dvalishvili.
So, who do you think is the true bantamweight king? Is it the skilled and versatile Nurmagomedov, or the experienced and resilient O'Malley? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a friendly debate!
