Former UFC Bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley thinks Conor McGregor would do well to follow in his footsteps.
O'Malley was sidelined to recover from an injury after losing the 135 pound title to Merab Dvalishvili in September 2024. He was given an immediate rematch on his return and was dedicated to a few lifestyle adjustments in the run-up.
Things are ultimately not planned for 'Suga' on Fight Night on UFC 316 last June. Nine months after his decision on the atmosphere, O'Malley was submitted by Dvalishvili in their second collision in the Newark Prudential Center.
Although the changes he made did not result in a victory against Dvalishvili, O'Malley still felt the benefit of them -and he thinks that a fellow -SuFC star would do that too.
Sean O'Malley says that Conor McGregor would 'benefit' from throwing away unnecessary distractions
Prior to his shot at 'The Machine', O'Malley revealed that he had given up several vices, including Marijuana and Social Media. That meant an important change for the ex-camp, which has become a prominent figure online.
And despite the fact that O'Malley reverses the break of social media a few weeks after the UFC 316, he insists that it still had a positive influence on him.
“I didn't do that, so I could fight better … I did that for a lifestyle, I did that for my own spirit,” said O'Malley during a recent appearance on the overogs -podcast with former UFC hunter and current BKFC star Mike Perry.
“Not smoking, not drinking, not partying … Doing what I should do … completely inbiled. I really want to take advantage of these next five, six years that I can compete.
“I feel better than I have ever felt,” added O'Malley.
Given Conor McGregor's social media antics and preference for a party lifestyle, O'Malley thinks that the Irishman could also reap the benefits of making similar lifestyle adjustments.
“I think he would benefit from it,” O'Malley said when Perry suggested that 'the infamous' should follow the same regime.
Sean O'Malley gives no hope to beat Merab Dvalishvili
O'Malley is now two fights against Dvalishvili in their series after he was sent by the Georgian to the first loss of his career. But that does not mean that the resident of Montana has taken the champion out of his sights.
In a video posted on his X account, O'Malley admitted that he is 'delusions' about Dvalishvili and his chances of getting redemption against him. His justification for that attitude was Max Holloway's victory over Dustin Poirier in July, who came in the third time to try 'blessed'.
“I really believed that I would go outside and make Merab stupid,” O'Malley said about his UFC 316 defeat.
“I am still so delusional performances that I still think I can beat Merab.
“Max Holloway defeated Dustin in his third fight, lost the first two. So never say never,” O'Malley added.