Called out by Sean O’Malley, Ilia Topuria asked the bantamweight champion to face another opponent before fighting him.
During his post-fight speech, O’Malley directed his attention to Topuria, expressing his eagerness for a showdown and even urged UFC President Dana White to arrange a private jet to Spain for the bout.
Acknowledging Topuria’s formidable reputation, O’Malley expressed excitement at the prospect of facing him, even considering a move up in weight class for the fight. However, he also emphasized his readiness to take on any challenge, including a potential matchup against Merab Dvalishvili, who is next in line for a title shot.
“Dana! Gimme a jet to Spain, baby! I’m coming for Ilia Topuria!And if he doesn
Sean O’Malley had a better evening than Benoit Saint-Denis. The whimsical fighter delivered an impeccable performance this Saturday against Chito Vera. For his first title defense, ‘Sugar Sean’ won by unanimous decision, winning each of his rounds. He therefore retains his title of champion of the bantamweight category. After his fight, he expressed the wish to move up to the higher category to face the champion Ilia Topuria. The latter declines the offer for the moment, and invites ‘Sugar’ to defend his title against another fighter first. Find out who it is:
Ilia Topuria via his X account – “Suga, congratulations. It was a great performance! There is a fight chasing you with Merab… You have to take care of it first.”
Suga, congrats.. Was a beautiful performance! There is a fight chasing you with Merab.. Get that done first .
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) March 10, 2024
Merab Dvalishvili next?
After a title defense, Sean O’Malley already wants to try to become a double champion.
But Ilia Topuria, featherweight champion, refers him to his fellow Georgian, Merab Dvalishvili. The latter is ranked number one in the bantamweight rankings. He is coming off a gala victory against the legend Henry Cejudo. For a long time, he could not claim a title shot because his training partner Aljamain Sterling was the champion.
According to sporting logic he should be next. And as Ilia Topuria refuses to face O’Malley until the latter has triumphed over his compatriot… ‘Sugar Sean’ seems condemned to face Merab Dvalishvili.
