Sean O’Malley wants to fight the best, but the bottom line is that right now his bank account isn’t directly affected by his choice of opponents.
The popular bantamweight discussed his matchmaking philosophy during a recent appearance on the No Jumper podcast following a lopsided victory over newcomer Kris Moutinho at UFC 264 last month. Moutinho was a last-second replacement for Louis Smolka, a more veteran opponent who may have added more credibility to O’Malley’s growing resume.
Despite those circumstances, O’Malley is still hearing it from critics who are eager to see him tested against higher-ranked opposition, but O’Malley explained that unless there’s a change in compensation then it doesn’t matter who he fights.