UFC President Dana White insists that Sean O'Malley will not face the 'killers' of the bantamweight division.
O'Malley could be mixing it with the elite 135lbs division. If he can get past Raulian Paiva at UFC 269.
UFC fans want to see Sean O'Malley step up in competition
MMA fans want to see O'Malley, who is self-proclaimed 'undefeated', take a step up in competition. However, that can't be said for White.
Barstool Sports asked O'Malley about his lack of top-rated opponents. He replied, "It has absolutely nothing to do [with] his contract."
"I mean, I don't think he's ready. You guys want to throw him to the wolves.
"Unless they're Khamzatchimaev, you can't move someone that fast."
Unbeaten, welterweight Chimaev received the previously No.11-ranked Li Jiangang in his fourth fight in this promotion. He won with total ease.
White believes that the Chechen clubber is better equipped than O'Malley to deal with the elite 170lb fighters.
He said, "Khamzat feels comfortable moving that fast.
"It's O'Malley who just lost a few fights.
"Talking about bigger fights ***, Saturday night is going to be a difficult fight for him.
"In his last fight, he looked amazing, he put on an incredible clinic.
White believes O'Malley's popularity may be partly responsible for his constant questioning of opponents.
He said, "I think O'Malley's such a popular and whatever, you're always going to have the critics who give this kid's ***.
He's a tough kid. But he's also fun to watch.
"You can't just throw O'Malley against the killers.
"That's not how it works."
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