The former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley is planning to take some time off before he makes his return to the Octagon later on in 2025.
"Suga" recently outlined his plans during a trip over to Japan to celebrate the end of 2024 in style.
O'Malley made an appearance at the huge RIZIN "Decade" card that closed out the year with a massive night of fights, as has become tradition.
The 30-year old hasn't fought since last September when in the main event of UFC 306 at the Sphere, he was defeated by Merab Dvalishvili.
Both men were seemingly pushing for a rematch but the UFC decided to go down a different route which the defending champion eventually agreed to.
At UFC 311 later this month, Dvalishvili will put the 135-pound title on the line against the undefeated challenger, Umar Nurmagomedov.
During O'Malley's time in Japan, he spoke about his plans for the future and how it will change depending on what happens at the Intuit Dome on January 18.
He told RIZIN TV that though he would ideally like to face Dvalishvili again to try and get some revenge, his target is the title and whoever is in possession of it.
“Ideally, Merab beats Umar and I get the rematch,” said O’Malley. “But if Umar wins, it’ll be Umar. That’s what I want next is a title fight.
“Hopefully mid next year against the winner of that one.”
"Suga" has always been a big star for the promotion but sitting out rarely ends up playing out how you expect it to in combat sports.
This is especially true when you have other top contenders like former champion Petr Yan putting impressive wins together as of late.
