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Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley believes a victory at UFC Freedom 250 could put him right back in the title picture. The popular American is set to face Aiemann Zahabi this Sunday in a high-profile showdown at the White House, with a potential championship opportunity looming on the horizon.
O'Malley (19-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) takes on the surging Zahabi (14-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) at UFC Freedom 250, an event that will be staged on the White House grounds. For the former champion, the historic venue could mark the first step toward reclaiming the belt he once held.
"My next fight will probably be for the title, but I don't know if the next title fight will involve me," O'Malley said during Wednesday's UFC Freedom 250 media day. "It seems that Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili are the direction things are heading, but whether I wait or take another fight, I don't know. It's hard to predict how these fights will play out. I'm focused on taking it one fight at a time."
O'Malley expects the UFC to move forward with a third bout between Yan and Dvalishvili, and if the timing works out, he would gladly face the winner. Before thinking about championship opportunities, however, he must first get past Zahabi, who enters the contest riding a seven-fight unbeaten streak.
The 30-year-old also admitted he is still trying to process the unique experience of competing at the White House.
"It's insane," O'Malley said. "I enjoy fighting in different places – Boston, Miami, Abu Dhabi, Las Vegas. Competing in different cities is always exciting. But now we're fighting on the lawn of the White House. It's hard to wrap your head around. It's an incredible experience and something really special to be part of."
