Sean O'Malley believes title shot is close: 'People want to see me be champion'

Sean O'Malley already has the makings a star in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Now he just needs the resume to back it up.

A victory over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 276 will be a significant step forward for O’Malley, who is 7-1 in the Octagon thus far but doesn’t yet have that signature victory. Munhoz owns notable wins over the likes of Jimmie Rivera, Cody Garbrandt and Rob Font, while his last four losses have come to some of the sport’s biggest names: Dominick Cruz, Jose Aldo, Frankie Edgar and Aljamain Sterling.

“Yeah, beating Pedro will be a big deal,” O’Malley told assembled media on Wednesday. “I think he’s only lost to former world champions. Not just beating Pedro, but finishing Pedro would be a massive deal. He’s fought and only lost to former world champions. With that being said, I do believe I’ll be his toughest fight. I think he’s my toughest fight, as well.”

O’Malley has received a strong promotional push ever since he emerged from Season 1 of Dana White’s Contender Series, with prominent placement on some of the UFC’s biggest events. That is once again the case on Saturday, as “Suga” will occupy a UFC 276 pay-per-view draw that includes a pair of championship fights. O’Malley is confident that a title shot of his own could be imminent if he continues to impress in the Octagon.

“I’m a couple fights away from a title fight, especially if I can get the finishes I’ve been doing,” he said. “People want to see that. People want to see me be champion. I’ve just got to go out there, perform, and do what I’m capable of doing. That’s putting Pedro’s lights out.”