O’Malley and Devin Haney Trade Posts After UFC 306
After Merab Dvalishvili defeated Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 on September 14, 2024, Devin Haney mocked O’Malley on social media and O’Malley replied. O’Malley later challenged Haney to an MMA bout and offered to wager $1 million; Haney answered that he would consider a boxing match for “real money.” No crossover fight was booked.
The Upset at UFC 306
Sean O’Malley entered UFC 306 as the reigning bantamweight champion, looking to defend his title against the relentless Merab Dvalishvili. Despite O’Malley’s renowned striking prowess, he struggled to find his rhythm against Dvalishvili’s aggressive grappling approach. The fight went the distance, with Dvalishvili securing a unanimous decision victory and claiming the bantamweight crown.
Haney Throws the First Punch
Following O’Malley’s defeat, boxing champion Devin Haney wasted no time in taking a jab at the fallen MMA star. Haney took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a scathing comment: “O’Malley bitch ass lost..” This provocative statement quickly caught the attention of fans and fighters alike, setting the stage for O’Malley’s rebuttal.
O’Malley’s Swift Counterpunch
Never one to back down from a verbal confrontation, O’Malley fired back at Haney with a succinct yet menacing response: “Still kill you.” This terse reply showcased O’Malley’s unwavering confidence, even in the face of his recent setback in the Octagon.
The Ongoing Rivalry
This latest exchange is just another chapter in the ongoing feud between O’Malley and Haney. O’Malley has previously expressed interest in venturing into the boxing world, naming Haney among potential opponents alongside other high-profile boxers like Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia.
What’s Next for O’Malley and Haney?
While their social media spat continues to entertain fans, the reality is that both fighters have different priorities in their immediate futures:
Sean O’Malley:
- Likely to focus on reclaiming the UFC bantamweight title
- May need to secure a win before getting another title shot
- Faces potential matchups with other top UFC bantamweights
Devin Haney:
- Looking to bounce back after his controversial bout with Ryan Garcia
- Focused on maintaining his status in the competitive boxing landscape
- Unlikely to pursue a crossover fight with O’Malley in the near future
The Unlikely Prospect of a Crossover Fight
Despite the heated exchanges and O’Malley’s previous interest in boxing, a matchup between these two seems improbable. The vast differences in their respective sports and current career trajectories make a potential bout more of a fantasy than a realistic possibility.
As both fighters move forward in their careers, fans can expect the verbal jabs to continue, keeping this rivalry alive In combat sports social media. While an actual fight may never materialize, the ongoing banter between Sean O’Malley and Devin Haney continues to captivate audiences and fuel discussions across both MMA and boxing communities.
Citations:
[1] https://bloodyelbow.com/2024/09/16/sean-omalley-called-out-by-three-different-bantamweight-contenders-after-dropping-his-title-at-ufc-306/
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wOrfeSDK_0
[3] https://www.si.com/fannation/boxing/sean-o-malley-issues-a-statement-hours-after-ufc-306-loss-to-merab-dvalishvili-01j7vjvqjhv5
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9Fk5X98-Do
[5] https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2024/09/15/sean-omalleys-rivals-destroy-him-on-social-media-following-noche-ufc/
[6] https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/sean-omalley/sean-omalley-boxer-devin-haney-trade-shots-following-ufc-306/
[7] https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/9/24/24252669/sean-omalley-calls-out-devin-haney-if-he-really-wants-fight-ill-put-1-million-dollars-on-me-vs-him
