Sean O'Malley Gets Brutally Honest On Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland UFC Bout

O'Malley makes his prediction clear.

Fernando Quiles Jr. | Aug 3, 2023

Sean O'Malley Gets Brutally Honest On Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland UFC Bout /

Sean O'Malley has given his honest take on how Sean Strickland would fare against UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya.

Adesanya currently does not have an opponent for the UFC's return to Sydney, Australia. In a perfect world for the UFC, Adesanya would've been defending his title against Dricus du Plessis on September 9. It wasn't meant to be, as du Plessis won't be healed in time for UFC 293.

Israel Adesanya is interviewed by UFC color commentator Joe Rogan at the UFC 281 ceremonial weigh-ins. — (via Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports)

Sean Strickland has been a key name that is brought up when it comes to a possible option for Adesanya. Ariel Helwani reported that the UFC wasn't keen on the matchup, but time is running out. Strickland has said that he's looking to get his fair share.

During an episode of the "BrOMalley Show," Sean O'Malley shared his view on how negotiations are probably going between Strickland and the UFC.

"Sean Strickland wanted more money," O'Malley said. "The UFC's probably like, 'Dude, like, no.' He probably wants like 500,000, he's probably getting like 400,000 and the UFC is like, 'Dude, no.'"

O'Malley then had a blunt prediction for a potential showdown between Strickland and Adesanya.

"I think he smokes him," O'Malley said.

The "Sugar" show explained what makes Adesanya a bad matchup for Strickland.

"I would love to see Izzy piece him up, O'Malley said. "He's just so f****** slick on his feet, Sean walks forward with his f****** chin up."

O'Malley also questioned whether or not the UFC wants to risk having Strickland as a champion. He went as far as to say it wouldn't be a good look for the promotion.

Sean O'Malley on fighting on the same card as Sean Strickland pic.twitter.com/WB4AG0dY2n
— Best MMA Moments (@XcellentMMA) June 28, 2023

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Published Aug 3, 2023

FERNANDO QUILES JR.

Fernando has over a decade of combat sports news writing experience. He currently covers MMA, boxing, and pro wrestling. Fernando joined MMA Knockout as the Lead Writer/Editor when it was founded in 2023.