The SugaShow is back, and in full force. Returning to action for the second time in 2026, Sean O’Malley was faced with an immense level of noise and doubt from the outer world of MMA. Many felt as though his best was behind him, with Sean’s most recent dismantling of Song Yadong not enough to sway the doubts of many. However, following his Freedom 250 highlight, a title shot might be on the near horizon once more.
Aiemann Zahabi presented a new challenge for O’Malley, a crafty veteran riding a 7-fight win streak in the UFC. The momentum appeared to be on Zahabi’s side heading into the bout. A momentum furthered by the opening 6-7 minutes of action. Zahabi’s evasive movement, mixed with a fearsome inside low kick, appeared to be puzzling his opponent, leaving Sean tentative. Nevertheless, as all elite strikers do, O’Malley took his time downloading the data before sending the perfect virus to infiltrate Zahabi’s software. A crushing right hand was followed by a perfectly timed 1-2, leaving Zahabi down and out. The salute capped off a further highlight in the ever-growing reel of O’Malley, leaving just one question. Who next?
Normally, I would like to present readers with a plethora of options to choose from for a future opponent. Whilst there are options for SugaShow, a title shot vs Yan, redemption vs Merab, or a match for the ages vs Umar. Of all the available options, one matchup stands out above the rest.
Sean O’Malley vs. Cory Sandhagen
Now, I understand that this may not make immediate sense. Sandhagen is currently scheduled to face Mario Bautista on the 12th July, in a dangerous rematch for the “Sandman”. Bautista proved his level once more back in February, running through Vinicius Oliveira in under 2 rounds. Therefore, a fight with O’Malley is dependent on Sandhagen being able to defeat Bautista for a second time.
Assuming Cory does this, a matchup with O’Malley would be a mouth-watering possibility. Two of the division’s longest, elite strikers. Two men capable of talking their talk on the mic. A matchup that fans have hypothesised over for years. This feels more inevitable than imagination. For O’Malley, a finish over a striker like Sandhagen would leave little doubt over his credentials for another shot at the belt. For Sandhagen, O’Malley would be the biggest notch on his résumé, leaving a rematch with Yan the only option for the UFC hierarchy.
Stylistically, this fight is as good as it gets. Whilst Sandhagen does have some wrestling pedigree, the fight would surely play out on the feet. A potential 25-minute chess match would make for unbelievable viewing. Anytime such creative, fluid strikers face off, fireworks can be guaranteed.
With Merab, Yan, Umar and Sandhagen all circling the title picture, bantamweight may be entering its most competitive era. O’Malley has put himself back in the conversation. Now the question is whether the UFC gives fans the fight they’ve wanted for years.
