Dana White acknowledges discussions regarding a potential title elimination bout within an upcoming UFC Freedom 250 event, but he has not confirmed this designation.
A prominent matchup slated for the June 14 White House event is set for the bantamweight class. Sean O’Malley, a past champion in the 135-pound category, is scheduled to face Aiemann Zahabi. During an interactive session with supporters promoting the recent UFC Winnipeg event, Zahabi stated he was informed that his clash with O’Malley would determine the next challenger for the championship.
“It was indicated to me that this is a title eliminator,” Zahabi asserted. “Therefore, should I defeat Sean O’Malley, I anticipate competing against Petr Yan for the championship belt.”
This assertion was presented to White during the post-fight press conference for UFC Winnipeg. The head of the UFC is downplaying this declaration, though it remains a possibility that the victor could earn an opportunity at the bantamweight championship afterward (as reported by Bloody Elbow).
“These athletes are placed in scenarios presenting significant chances. We need to observe the actual bout,” White commented. “We need to evaluate their performance. Simply stating, ‘The winner will automatically receive it,’ doesn’t accurately reflect our process. Show us what you can do, demonstrate your capabilities, and then we will finalize that determination.”
O’Malley has sought to return to contention for the UFC bantamweight championship after suffering a pair of defeats to previous titleholder Merab Dvalishvili. “Sugar” recovered from these setbacks by securing a unanimous decision victory against Song Yadong at UFC 324 in January.
Regarding Zahabi, he has not yet had a chance to vie for a UFC championship. The 38-year-old competitor is currently on a seven-bout winning streak, and a triumph over O’Malley would bring him significantly closer to a global title.
In your opinion, should the victor of the Sean O’Malley versus Aiemann Zahabi match proceed to face Petr Yan next, or is Merab Dvalishvili more deserving of an immediate second bout? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
