The Former Bantamweight King Can’t Stop Praising Umar Nurmagomedov — But Could He Actually Be the Division’s Best?
Sean O’Malley, the flamboyant ex-UFC Bantamweight Champion, has made it clear: he believes Umar Nurmagomedov might just be the most complete fighter in the entire bantamweight division — maybe even the best. And that’s not a statement O’Malley throws around lightly.
In a recent breakdown of the UFC 321 card that electrified Abu Dhabi last month, O’Malley took a moment to spotlight Nurmagomedov’s performance. Umar, showcasing his signature composure and technical brilliance, defeated the surging Mario Bautista via unanimous decision. For O’Malley, it wasn’t just another win — it was proof of Nurmagomedov’s elite-level mastery.
“Umar is so f**ing good,” O’Malley declared on his YouTube channel, his admiration evident. “He’s insanely skilled — incredible striking, dominant grappling, and surrounded by a team that’s absolutely world-class. Skill for skill, I think he’s one of the best guys in the division — if not *the best.”
Coming from someone like O’Malley (18-3), that’s high praise. The two have never shared the Octagon, despite both being top-tier contenders. Interestingly, O’Malley once dismissed the idea of fighting Nurmagomedov when campaigning for a title shot — a decision that still sparks debate among fans.
O’Malley’s career has been a rollercoaster. He famously dethroned Aljamain Sterling to capture the title, defended it successfully against Marlon Vera, but then lost it to the relentless Merab Dvalishvili (21-4). After failing to reclaim the belt in their rematch this past June, “Sugar” has been on the sidelines, plotting his next move. Meanwhile, Dvalishvili has continued to dominate, even defending his title against Nurmagomedov between his two wars with O’Malley.
Nurmagomedov’s recent victory over Bautista marked an impressive comeback after suffering the only loss of his career — ironically, to Dvalishvili himself. His performance reminded everyone why the Nurmagomedov name continues to command respect in MMA.
But here’s where it gets interesting — could Umar’s technical precision and calm dominance truly eclipse even the flashy, fan-favorite O’Malley? And if they were finally to meet inside the cage, whose style would prevail: O’Malley’s creative, striking-heavy flair or Umar’s methodical, suffocating control?
What do you think, fight fans? Is Sean O’Malley right — is Umar Nurmagomedov the best bantamweight in the world right now? Or is “Sugar” overlooking someone else in the division? Drop your thoughts below — this debate’s far from over.
