It looks like someone will have to step up to fight Sean O’Malley if the rising superstar wants to remain on the UFC 264 card. The bantamweight contender was scheduled to face Luis Smolka in the main-card of UFC 264. However, according to Smolka’s manager, and first reported by ESPN journalist Brett Okamoto, Luis Smolka has withdrawn from the fight due to a staph infection.
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Needless to say, the return of O’Malley was also the talking point of the upcoming UFC PPV which will feature the return of Conor McGregor after the first KO loss of his career against former interim champion Dustin Poirier. Sean O’Malley still wants to compete on the same card and the UFC is looking for a quick replacement for Luis Smolka to ensure Sugar Sean O’Malley competes on the card.
Who should fight Sean O’Malley at UFC 264?
It’s an incredible chance for another fighter to make a name for themselves by taking the fight again O’Malley. Suga Show has not fought a top-15 opponent so far and is yet to be tested against the best that the division has to offer. Be that as it may, O’Malley’s performances has shown that he has what it takes to compete against the absolute best and will look to prove the same heading into arguably the biggest PPV of this year in the form of UFC 264.
Cody Stamann comes across as a likely replacement for Sean O’Malley in what promises as an exciting match-up between two credible strikers in the division. Additionally, Stamann doesn’t have much to lose considering he is on a two-fight losing streak. Stamann is popular and could create more anticipation behind the return of Sean O’Malley should he decide to step up to take on the bantamweight contender.
Not surprised
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) June 29, 2021
Brian Kelleher is another exciting option for Sean O’Malley. Kelleher has time and again proved his credibility inside the cage and is a solid striker to say nonetheless. It will be interesting to see which fighter steps up to take on Sugar Sean O’Malley. However, one cannot deny that there’s a possibility that O’Malley might not be able to fight on the same card.
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