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Ilia Topuria was impressed by Sean O’Malley’s dominant efficiency towards Marlon Vera at UFC 299, however he believes the bantamweight champion has one other hurdle to leap over earlier than shifting as much as problem for the 145-pound title.
O’Malley retained the bantamweight belt with a scorecard-sweeping unanimous determination on Saturday evening in Miami. Talking with Joe Rogan following his victory, he known as for a battle towards Topuria as his best choice, however he additionally stated that if the UFC most well-liked that “Sugar” defend his 135-pound belt towards No. 1 contender Merab Dvalishvili subsequent, he could be high quality with that choice.
Topuria reacted to O’Malley’s first title protection, and responded to the callout on Twitter.
Suga, congrats.. Was a phenomenal efficiency! There’s a battle chasing you with Merab.. Get that achieved first .
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) March 10, 2024
“Suga, congrats… was a phenomenal efficiency,” Topuria stated. “There’s a battle chasing you with Merab. Get that achieved first.”
Topuria captured the UFC featherweight title with a “Knockout of the 12 months” contender, delivering a second-round end of longtime champion Alexander Volkanovski in the principle occasion of UFC 298 in February. The brand new champ and UFC CEO Dana White are hopeful that Topuria’s first title protection will happen in Spain later this yr.
Following Saturday’s occasion, White stated there isn’t a official timeline for the promotion’s first journey to the realm in the intervening time.
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