Sean O’Malley was one of the initial MMA figures to
criticize Conor Benn’s alleged $15 million contract
with Zuffa Boxing, even hinting that he too deserved a similar amount. Nonetheless, the former bantamweight champion seems to have moderated his viewpoint in light of the UFC’s ongoing challenges with some of its top talents. The situation has become increasingly unstable, especially between Jon Jones and Dana White. Recently, White dismissed Jones’ potential involvement in the upcoming White House card, citing his ongoing hip issues and implying that the heavyweight may be finished with the organization. In response, Jones has publicly challenged this stance and even requested his release.
Concurrently, Ronda Rousey has ramped up her criticism of the UFC after transitioning to Most Valuable Promotions, where she is preparing to fight Gina Carano. Rousey has gone so far as to label the
UFC Freedom 250 card
as a mockery, specifically targeting White and UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell. Amidst this environment of pay conflicts and public backlash, O’Malley has ultimately aligned himself with the UFC. He acknowledges the opportunities the promotion has created, believing it has been fundamental in transforming fighters into international icons, reflecting a significant change from his previous position.
Sean O’Malley Questions the Impact of the UFC on Jones and Rousey’s Careers
In a recent YouTube Q&A on his channel,
O’Malley shared his thoughts on the escalating disputes between the UFC and its prominent figures, including Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, and Ronda Rousey. He pondered where these renowned athletes would be without the UFC, a platform that significantly boosted their career trajectories.
He remarked, “It’s wild to see all these top-tier athletes facing issues with the UFC, and Ronda, although she’s not part of the UFC anymore, is criticizing it. Conor, the all-time biggest star, has conflicts with the UFC. Jon Jones, regarded as the greatest, is also having difficulties with the organization.”
O’Malley further reflected on the pivotal role the UFC has played in their careers and financial prosperity. He added, “It’s incredible to consider how these careers unfolded—where would Conor, Jones, and Ronda be without the UFC? They might have found success elsewhere, but would they have achieved the same level of earnings? Unlikely. It’s complicated, and I understand their frustrations if they believe they’re not being treated fairly, they should express that.”
O’Malley also stressed the necessity of appreciation while recognizing the complexities inherent in the fighter-promoter dynamics. He stated, “You must be thankful for what the UFC has provided you, but it’s a tricky situation.”
While Jones and Rousey have openly voiced their concerns, McGregor has also expressed dissatisfaction regarding his exclusion from the proposed White House card. Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall has reportedly had his own falling out with Dana White following a no-contest ruling in his title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, which was due to eye pokes.
Aspinall has since aligned with Eddie Hearn’s management, which has a strained relationship with White. Even long-time affiliates like Colby Covington have begun airing grievances, criticizing the promotion for overlooking him for the Freedom 250 card and alleging mistreatment. Regardless of this growing unrest, O’Malley has predominantly sided with the UFC. Having earned his contract on Dana White’s Contender Series back in 2017, he has now become one of the promotion’s star names. He’s set to appear on the June 14 White House card, facing off against rising bantamweight contender Aiemann Zahabi.
