UFC champion Kamaru Usman recently shared his perspective on Sean O’Malley’s potential super fight against boxer Ryan Garcia. O’Malley, currently reigning in the bantamweight division, has garnered attention following his dominant victory over Marlon Vera, leaving fans curious about his next move.
While O’Malley has expressed interest in facing Merab Dvalishvili next to solidify his legacy in the bantamweight division, he has also tantalized fans with the idea of a crossover boxing match against Ryan Garcia. Usman, in a recent podcast, voiced his opinion on this possibility, urging O’Malley to prioritize defending his UFC title before considering other ventures.
Usman questioned O’Malley’s decision to entertain the idea of a boxing match when he had a pool of formidable contenders awaiting him in the bantamweight division. He emphasized the importance of establishing oneself within their own division before venturing into other arenas, labeling such pursuits as “gimmick fights.”
Reflecting on his own past contemplation of entering the boxing realm for a potential matchup against Canelo Alvarez, Usman acknowledges the allure of crossover opportunities. However, he underscores the necessity for athletes to stay focused on their primary disciplines and conquer their respective divisions before exploring other avenues.
Despite the allure of crossover endeavors and the attention they bring, O’Malley is aware of the significance of his standing within the mixed martial arts community. His ambition to be remembered as a champion of distinction drives him to balance opportunities for legacy-building within his division and the allure of ventures beyond.