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Sean O’Malley’s coach says ‘Suga’ to skip Payton Talbott and wait for title shot

Payton Talbott has been the talk of the town in the Bantamweight division since shutting off Deiveison Figueiredo at UFC 332 last weekend. That was Talbott’s third win in a row, following decisions over Henry Cejudo and Felipe Lima. Talbott’s…

By Tim Edwards · MMA Mania

Published: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 7:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Tim Welch says Sean O'Malley is targeting a bantamweight title shot rather than fighting Payton Talbott.
Welch pushed back against Daniel Cormier's broadcast comments urging O'Malley to face the surging Talbott.
O'Malley's plans depend on UFC 333, with Welch favoring a title bout if Petr Yan defeats Merab Dvalishvili.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Sean O'Malley's coach, Tim Welch, stated that O'Malley plans to bypass a matchup with rising contender Payton Talbott to pursue a bantamweight title shot. Welch pushed back against commentary from Daniel Cormier suggesting O'Malley must fight Talbott immediately, noting the substantial pay difference between fighting for a world championship and competing against a lower-ranked opponent.

Welch explained that O'Malley is monitoring the upcoming UFC 333 title rematch between champion Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili. If Yan defends the belt, Welch believes O'Malley could be next in line, though he noted a clash with Talbott could happen if Dvalishvili emerges victorious.

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Sean O’Malley’s coach says ‘Suga’ to skip Payton Talbott and wait for title shot

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