Sean O'Malley believes he's close to becoming UFC's biggest star

Sean O'Malley, the current UFC bantamweight champion, is set to defend his title against Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC in Las Vegas. This event is highly anticipated, with UFC CEO Dana White suggesting it could be 'the greatest sporting event of all time' due to its massive production budget. O'Malley believes that a victory in this fight will significantly close the gap between him and Conor McGregor, who has been largely inactive since July 2021. O'Malley expressed confidence in his rising star power, stating that he is active in the octagon, having fought frequently since his debut in 2017. In contrast, McGregor has only participated in four fights over the past eight years, which O'Malley views as a testament to his own growing prominence in the sport. He noted that if McGregor loses his next fight, it would further solidify O'Malley's position as a leading figure in the UFC. The bantamweight champion emphasized that he has numerous big fights lined up after his bout with Dvalishvili, indicating a strategic focus on maintaining his momentum in the UFC. While he acknowledges the allure of boxing, he clarified that his immediate priority is to continue competing in MMA. O'Malley's ambition to become the biggest star in the UFC reflects a broader narrative of rising fighters challenging established icons, and his upcoming fight could be pivotal in reshaping the landscape of the sport.