Abdelaziz Confirms Umar Title Shot and Interest in O’Malley

Ali Abdelaziz, one of the most influential managers in MMA, is confident that his fighter, Umar Nurmagomedov, will soon claim the UFC bantamweight title. Abdelaziz has said that Nurmagomedov, who holds an undefeated record of 18-0, is ready to challenge current champion Merab Dvalishvili. However, Abdelaziz sees another big opportunity down the road—a high-profile fight against Sean O’Malley, even though O’Malley recently lost his title.

Nurmagomedov’s Journey to the Title

Umar Nurmagomedov has steadily climbed the ranks, securing his position as the No. 2 contender in the bantamweight division following his dominant victory over Cory Sandhagen. His wrestling, striking, and overall control inside the octagon have solidified his status as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the division.

Abdelaziz has repeatedly emphasized Nurmagomedov’s potential, stating, “Umar is something special. He will be the next Khabib,” highlighting the Dagestani fighter’s massive support and talent.

After his win, Nurmagomedov expressed his readiness for the title, saying, “It doesn’t matter who wins between Merab and O’Malley. Just give me the title shot”.

His calm confidence aligns with his growing reputation as a future champion. Abdelaziz confirmed that the UFC has already indicated Nurmagomedov is next in line for a title fight.

O’Malley: Still a Major Draw

Despite O’Malley’s recent loss to Dvalishvili at UFC 306, Abdelaziz believes that he remains one of the biggest names in the sport and that a title fight between O’Malley and Nurmagomedov would attract enormous attention.

Abdelaziz explained: “Sean O’Malley makes everyone in the division money. Not Merab. Not Umar yet, but Umar will be”.

Even after his defeat, O’Malley’s star power is undeniable. Abdelaziz drew comparisons with other fighters, noting that past champions like Israel Adesanya and Frankie Edgar received title shots after losses, adding that “it’s about hype, business, and making money”.

O’Malley has significantly increased the visibility of the bantamweight division, and Abdelaziz credits him for raising the division’s profile. “Nobody cared about the bantamweight division before Sean O’Malley,” he stated, recognizing O’Malley’s value both as an athlete and a financial draw.

The Future of the Bantamweight Division

While Nurmagomedov is poised to challenge Dvalishvili, the prospect of a fight with O’Malley looms large. Abdelaziz has hinted that Nurmagomedov could offer O’Malley a title shot, even though the latter is coming off a loss.

“I think Sean O’Malley deserves a title shot coming off a loss,” Abdelaziz said, emphasizing the financial and promotional benefits of such a matchup.

As Umar Nurmagomedov continues to build his legacy, a showdown with O’Malley could be one of the biggest fights in the bantamweight division, both in terms of athletic competition and fan engagement. Abdelaziz believes that Nurmagomedov has what it takes to dominate the division for years to come.

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