TLDR
- Cory Sandhagen publicly criticized Sean O’Malley for choosing low-risk opponents
- Sandhagen called O’Malley’s fight selection strategy ‘lame’
- O’Malley lost his UFC bantamweight title to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306
- Sandhagen wants to fight O’Malley but believes the former champion is avoiding him
- O’Malley has not responded to the criticism or announced his next opponent
Sources: Bloody Elbow | BJPenn.com | LowKickMMA.com
UFC bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen has publicly criticized former champion Sean O’Malley for his recent fight selections. Sandhagen claims O’Malley is deliberately choosing lower-risk opponents instead of facing the division’s toughest fighters.
The criticism comes after the UFC announced upcoming fights at a White House event. O’Malley’s scheduled matchups have drawn scrutiny from fellow fighters and fans alike.
Sandhagen Questions O’Malley’s Strategy
Sandhagen did not hold back in his assessment of O’Malley’s approach to his fighting career. “It’s a lame way to go about things,” Sandhagen said in recent comments about O’Malley’s opponent selection.
The former title challenger believes O’Malley is avoiding the most dangerous matchups in the bantamweight division. Sandhagen has been vocal about wanting to face O’Malley himself but suggests the former champion is not interested in that fight.
Sean O’Malley accused of taking ‘low-risk’ fights following UFC White House announcementhttps://t.co/NU6TXyYrcT#MMA #CombatSports #UFC
— MMAStack | MMA News 24/7 (@MMAStack) March 14, 2026
O’Malley lost his UFC bantamweight championship earlier this year to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306. Since losing the title, questions about his next opponent have dominated discussions in the division.
Sandhagen is currently ranked as one of the top fighters in the bantamweight division. He has faced many of the toughest competitors in the weight class throughout his career.
The Colorado-based fighter has previously challenged for the UFC bantamweight title. He lost a close decision to Petr Yan in 2021 for the interim championship.
Sandhagen has explained his reasoning for why he believes O’Malley is steering clear of certain matchups. He suggests that O’Malley and his team are being strategic about protecting his marketability and popularity.
The Low-Risk Fight Debate
The accusation of taking low-risk fights is serious in mixed martial arts. Fighters are expected to test themselves against the best competition available in their division.
O’Malley built his reputation on exciting performances and knockout victories. He won the bantamweight title by defeating Aljamain Sterling in August 2023.
During his title reign, O’Malley defended the belt once against Marlon “Chito” Vera. That fight avenged his earlier loss to Vera from 2020.
Sandhagen believes a matchup between himself and O’Malley would be a massive fight for the division. He has campaigned for the bout on social media and in interviews.
The bantamweight division is currently one of the most competitive in the UFC. Multiple fighters are competing for title shots and high-profile matchups.
O’Malley remains one of the biggest draws in the sport despite losing his championship. His social media following and pay-per-view appeal make him a valuable commodity for the UFC.
Sandhagen’s comments reflect growing frustration among top contenders about fight-making in the division. Several fighters have expressed interest in facing O’Malley.
The UFC has not yet announced O’Malley’s next opponent or when he will return to action. O’Malley has not publicly responded to Sandhagen’s recent criticism about his fight selection.
