Sean O'Malley has patched things up with Conor McGregor just days before his crucial bantamweight title rematch at UFC 316. The 30-year-old fighter will face champion Merab Dvalishvili this Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark, looking to reclaim the 135lb title he lost last September.
"Hell yeah, I will take it," O'Malley said during the UFC 316 media day when asked about McGregor's recent support. "I will forever be a huge Conor fan. I feel grateful to be able to watch his come up in my generation."
The reconciliation comes as a surprise to many MMA followers. Despite initial mutual respect, the relationship between the two stars had soured in recent years, with McGregor previously criticizing O'Malley over USADA issues and the pair exchanging verbal jabs online.
Interestingly, McGregor appears fully back in O'Malley's corner now. The Irishman recently praised "Suga's" training camp on social media, noting it reminded him of his own preparation for his second fight with Nate Diaz: "Very reminiscent of my Diaz 2 prep. Intriguing! BIG FIGHT FEEL!"
Dvalishvili, nicknamed the "Machine," enters the rematch as the favorite after his dominant unanimous decision victory in their first encounter. The Georgian fighter has since successfully defended his title against Umar Nurmagomedov in January, while O'Malley hasn't competed since losing his belt at UFC 306.
O'Malley revealed he's been studying famous rematches, including McGregor's second bout with Diaz, to prepare for Saturday's challenge. "I've been watching a bunch of fights. I've been watching some rematches," he explained.
"I have always taken inspiration from Conor fights," O'Malley added. "I've watched Conor fights more than probably any fights, well, I watch my fights more, but I've watched a lot of Conor fights."
With McGregor now firmly in his corner, can O'Malley reverse the outcome of their first meeting? The bantamweight division will find out this weekend.
