Sean O'Malley says Glover Teixeira is getting older, discusses his decision to postpone title shot
Sean O'Malley recently shared his thoughts on Glover Teixeira's decision to pass on fighting Magomed Ankalaev for the light heavyweight title at UFC 282.
BREAKING: Jiri Prochazka PUT of UFC 282 with serious injury. Glover turned down title fight. Jiri vacated. New main event is Blachowicz vs Ankalaev. Story soon on @YahooSports
Speaking on his podcast, TimboSugarShow, O'Malley stated:
"Jiri [Prochazka] versus Glover. I wasn't excited for that fight until I re-watched the first one. I was like, 'Oh, sh*t, that's going to be f**king sweet,' and then Jiri blows out his shoulder, the worst injury they've ever seen, the UFC doctor said, shoulder injury, and so they don't give Glover versus one of the other guys? They don't offer him that or they did?"
O'Malley was informed by one of his guests that Teixeira was indeed offered a title opportunity against Ankalaev. However, the Brazilian turned it down due to the lack of time to prepare. The No.1-ranked bantamweight responded:
"Yeah, but you're only getting older. So you wait for Jiri or you wait for the winner of that [Ankalaev versus Jan Blachowicz] and then it's that guy that wins. Maybe Glover had some s**t going into that fight and he's like, 'Well, this actually worked out better now.'"
With Jiri Prochazka out for an extended period of time, Teixeira will likely face the winner of the UFC 282 light heavyweight title fight between Ankalaev and Jan Blachowicz. As O'Malley pointed out, however, the No.1-ranked light heavyweight is running out of time to reclaim the title, as he is already 43.
Our NEW light heavyweight title fight headlining #UFC282 🏆
Jiri Prochazka has suffered a significant shoulder injury. Out of respect to the athletes and the division he will vacate his title.
@JanBlachowicz vs @AnkalaevM is your new main event for the undisputed UFC LHW belt! https://t.co/CScRxmjWwS
Watch Sean O'Malley discuss Glover Teixeira's decision to turn down the title fight below (starting at the 1:04:33 mark):
Sean O'Malley explains why he still believes he is undefeated
Sean O'Malley's official record is 16-1, however, he considers himself undefeated.
During a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, the No.1-ranked bantamweight explained why he doesn't count his only career loss, which came via first-round TKO against Marlon 'Chito' Vera at UFC 252, stating:
"It was a kick he [Vera] threw and I pulled out... His big toe literally pushed a button, my perineal nerve...and my foot just fell asleep. I blitzed forward, went to step back on my foot, and it wasn't there. He got on top and elbowed me. It's a loss on the record...but I didn't lose 'cause his skills were better than mine. I do not believe that."
While O'Malley may not count the loss, he did note that he would like a rematch against Vera. With both fighters now in the bantamweight title picture, it is likely that they will meet again in the future.
Watch Sean O'Malley discuss his only career loss to Marlon 'Chito' Vera below (starting at the 1:35 mark):