The former UFC Bantamweight Champion needs a big comeback to get back on the right track.
For the first time in his career, Sean O'Malley comes from successive defeats after his losses to Merab Dvalishvili.
Although O'Malley still remains one of the biggest stars of the UFC, he has not received an answer to the current champion of the division in one of their recent meetings.
'Suga' is perhaps one of the most dangerous strikers on the Roster, but he could not effectively implement his game plan when he was confronted with 'the machine'.
O'Malley does not necessarily plant a major reinvention for his return, but a colleague -top hunter in Bantam weight believes that some important adjustments are needed.
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Cory Sandhagen believes that Sean O'Malley should make technical adjustments in order not to be so dependent on his striking
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Cory Sandhagen gave his thoughts about the defeat of Sean O'Malley against Merab Dvalishvili on UFC 316 and whether he can bounce back.
'The Sandman' said he believes that 'Suga' has the opportunity to make some necessary changes in his style that will allow him to compete with the best hunters in the division.
'I think he does that [address his flaws]. O'Malley is first labeled as a star before being labeled as a good hunter. I think O'Malley is a real, really good hunter. He is also a super athletic man, so if you are so athletic, you are able to make many changes in your game and such. “
O'Malley made many changes during his preparations for the rematch with Dvalishvili, because he was berded even more in it than in the past.
Although many of these adjustments were probably positive, it was not enough to make a difference when he tried to reclaim the title of 135 pounds.
Sandhagen believes that to climb O'Malley back on the ladder, where they could possibly meet somewhere in the line, 'Suga' must be a more dynamic hunter that is not so dependent on one skills.
“I think he just has to change a few things, not like in his personal life, but in his technical fighting style of things and then just being able to struggle with these guys who are really good grapplers,” Sandhagen said.
“He got away for a long time just to be able to shoot, turn out people. Now he is confronted with some really well rounded, really good hunters and you just can't be a pony with one trick.”
Cory Sandhagen who successfully proves in his next fight would be great for Sean O'Malley
After two losses to the current champion, it is difficult to imagine how Sean O'Malley will return to the title photo at this stage.
However, that can change in an instant if Merab Dvalishvili loses the Bantamweight title to the opponent who expect many to be his next challenger, Cory Sandhagen.
O'Malley is one of the few top names that Sandhagen is not yet standing and with 'The Sandman' focused on the 135-pound gold, 'Suga' will certainly have a sharp eye on that matchup.
“I know that Merab said somewhere in November or December,” Sandhagen told MMA Fighting. “That also works for me. These things take a little time or whatever, but I am quite confident about it. I feel good about it and I am super excited to finally get my title shot.”
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