TLDR
- Sean O’Malley defeated Aiemann Zahabi by TKO at 4:02 of the second round at UFC Freedom 250
- O’Malley dropped Zahabi twice in quick succession with a jab and right hand before the stoppage
- The victory extends O’Malley’s knockout streak to five consecutive fights
- O’Malley called out bantamweight champion Petr Yan for a title shot after the win
- Some fans and observers questioned whether the referee stoppage came too early
Sources: Bloody Elbow | MMA Mania | Sherdog | The Athletic
Former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley extended his knockout streak to five consecutive fights with a second-round TKO victory over Aiemann Zahabi at UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday. The bout took place on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C.
Zahabi started the fight using movement and leg kicks to keep distance from O’Malley. The Canadian fighter circled repeatedly while trying to attack O’Malley’s legs with kicks.
O’Malley struggled early to cut off the octagon as Zahabi maintained his movement strategy. Zahabi landed several leg kicks and left hands when O’Malley attempted to close the distance.
Late in the first round, O’Malley connected with a hard left hand that appeared to hurt Zahabi. O’Malley’s best strike of the opening round had been a straight right to the body.
LEVELS 👊@SugaSeanMMA backs up his word and earns the RD2 KO in STYLE!#UFCWhiteHouse LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus!
[ UFC Freedom 250 Presented by @Cryptocom & @RamTrucks ] pic.twitter.com/fBymGHjq11
— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026
O’Malley Finds His Range
As the second round progressed, O’Malley became more comfortable with his punching range despite Zahabi’s continued leg kick attacks. Blood appeared on Zahabi’s face from O’Malley’s punches.
O’Malley even switched stances to adjust to the leg kick barrage. Zahabi continued his strategy of attacking the legs throughout the second round.
The fight ended suddenly when O’Malley landed a hard jab that dropped Zahabi to the canvas. Zahabi got back to his feet but was immediately knocked down again by a right hand from O’Malley.
Instead of following Zahabi to the mat, O’Malley gave a salute as the referee stopped the fight at 4:02 of the second round. Some observers questioned whether the stoppage came too early, as Zahabi appeared ready to defend himself after the second knockdown.
Post-Fight Reactions and Title Aspirations
After the victory, O’Malley spoke about visualization and mental preparation. “It’s hard to put into words, manifestation is a real thing,” O’Malley said. “I’ve seen this before. It’s what your mind can do.”
O’Malley dismissed Zahabi’s leg kick strategy in his post-fight comments. “He was just running around, throwing those little leg kicks,” O’Malley said. “They don’t do a whole lot.”
The win marked O’Malley’s second consecutive victory since losing back-to-back championship bouts to Merab Dvalishvili. Dvalishvili has since lost the bantamweight title to Petr Yan.
O’Malley called out current champion Petr Yan after the fight. “It should have been him here tonight,” O’Malley said. “I don’t know why he didn’t show up.”
O’Malley expressed his desire for a title shot regardless of who holds the belt. “Whether it’s Petr or Merab, I want Yan next,” he stated.
Social media reactions to the stoppage were mixed. Many fans debated whether the referee intervened too quickly after the two rapid knockdowns.
Some commenters criticized O’Malley for avoiding wrestler opponents while seeking another title opportunity. Others praised his knockout power and finishing ability.
The judges’ scorecards and unofficial media tallies showed O’Malley winning the first round before the second-round stoppage. The victory continues O’Malley’s resurgence in the bantamweight division as he pursues another championship opportunity.
