Chael Sonnen highlights huge difference between Paddy Pimblett and Sean O'Malley
Chael Sonnen understands why Paddy Pimblett and Sean O'Malley are being compared to each other but is also analyzing key areas that separate them.
Sonnen uploaded a video to his YouTube channel where he discussed two of the UFC's most popular fighters. During the video, he highlighted a huge difference between the two:
"I've never seen anybody get over to the extent that Paddy's over without calling anybody out. I can narrow down a few guys that Sean is likely to fight next... But I don't see that for Paddy. And I would normally say that's a mistake, but it's not. I have the foggiest idea what's next for Paddy." [2:48 - 3:20]
The former UFC middleweight title challenger also added that 'The Baddy' will eventually need to evaluate when the right time is to take a risk in terms of competition.
'Sugar' did just that when he fought former bantamweight champion, Petr Yan, at UFC 280. He mentioned that the lightweight, Pimblett, needs to map his career trajectory as well:
"[Pimblett has to decide] If he wants to remain fighting guys who aren't ranked but in good positions...or if he wants to work his way up the ladder. If he wants to take a bigger risk but then all of a sudden have a number-four ranking." [3:55 - 4:19]
Sonnen noted that it's clear that O'Malley's goal is to become bantamweight champion, and his No.1 ranking in the division is telling.
Meanwhile, Pimblett's future is unclear. He had an opportunity to challenge another big name in the lightweight division during his post-fight interview at UFC 282 but did not.
Check out the full video:
Chael Sonnen compliments Sean O'Malley for his comments regarding media
SUGA Reacts to Ariel vs Paddy
@SugaSeanMMA / @arielhelwani https://t.co/VviS8QYMHZ
While comparing Sean O'Malley & Paddy Pimblett in a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Chael Sonnen complimented O'Malley for comments he made regarding Pimblett's approach to media opportunities.
Pimblett had notably criticized Ariel Helwani for not paying the fighters he interviewed. Sean O'Malley disagreed with Pimblett's reasoning and supported Helwani.
'The American Gangster' mentioned that some great points were made by the No.1 ranked UFC bantamweight:
"I think that Sean's point is true. If it's a media opportunity, you want to do those, you want to be invited. If you close the door on those, you don't get invited back. The more those doors close, other people fill them - they become the star and you're not. And then you look around, you can't figure out why." [1:45 - 2:00]
It remains to be seen whether Pimblett will change his stance, but a lot of fighters have sided with Ariel Helwani since their conversations were made public during UFC 282 fight week.