If the UFC returns to Japan, Sean O'Malley wants in.
The former UFC bantamweight champion was a guest fighter at the New Year’s Eve show RIZIN 49, which took place at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
The UFC hasn’t held an event in Japan since UFC Fight Night 117 in September 2017, but O’Malley (18-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) is interested in competing there if they ever return.
“Right now, obviously, I’m with the UFC,” O’Malley said during a RIZIN media scrum (h/t MMA Fighting). “I plan to be with the UFC forever. So, if the UFC comes here someday, I would love to fight in this arena. There’s a good energy here.”
O’Malley was asked about competing under the Japanese ruleset, which he admitted wouldn’t be favorable for him.
“I noticed when I went in there, the ring is a lot softer than the UFC,” O’Malley said. “The UFC platform is thinner. That would be a little bit different. The ruleset, for me, I feel like it benefits me more not being able to get kicked in the head because I’m typically not the one above someone. If I get taken down I’m usually on my back. So, that would probably not be as good for me, but it would be interesting.”
“The Suga Show” is currently on the mend after undergoing surgery due to a torn left labrum – an injury he was dealing with prior to losing his bantamweight title to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 this past September.
“The production of the show was incredible, the energy in the arena is incredible, the ring girls are incredible,” O’Malley said on the RIZIN 49 event. “Overall impression of Japan, this has been the most fun trip I’ve ever been on, and I would love to come back.”
